Railway Integration Proposals for the New Somerset and Dorset Line

Introduction

Each town served by the New Somerset and Dorset Line has a variety of ways in which a railway link can be incorporated into its town infrastructure. The various considerations arising from establishing a rail link — such as land use issues — must be addressed on a town-by-town basis in order to create a feasible and effective project. This proposal examines closely the challenges unique to each town on the proposed route from Bath to Castle Cary via Midsomer Norton and Shepton Mallet. The proposed new line will link these towns together and bring benefits to local communities. However, there are serious engineering considerations that must be addressed before planning any work.

Shepton Mallet is a small town in Somerset, southwest England, with an estimated population of 10,055 as of 2007 (Somerset County Council). The town currently has no railway service.

Background: Shepton Mallet and Its Railway History

Shepton Mallet once had stations on two different British Railway lines. The first was located on the East Somerset Railway branch line and was called Shepton Mallet (High Street) station. A second station was later known as Shepton Mallet (Charlton Road). Today, the nearest Network Rail station is Castle Cary, approximately eight miles south of Shepton Mallet. The current proposal reintroduces a continuous line from Bath to Castle Cary that will once again pass through the town.

There is a real possibility for Shepton Mallet to become an important point on the new Somerset and Dorset Line. Construction of a new station and a diverted railway line here would reflect the growing importance of this region of Somerset.

Option 1: Station on the North Side of Shepton Mallet

The first option is to construct a station on the north side of Shepton Mallet and divert the railway line through this area. A double-track bed would be required. It would continue the line coming from Midsomer Norton, close to Mendip Village.

This railway line already has a junction on the East Somerset and Dorset line that continues to Castle Cary (indicated as a pink line in Figure 1). A double-track bed here is estimated to cost roughly £x.xx, since some track beds are already in place.

A railway line here diverts trains around the town, meaning no houses or roads need to be removed. However, the line does not serve the community of West Shepton as well as other options might.

In order to cover all of the Shepton Mallet area, an additional line can be recommended — indicated by the pink line on Image 1. This is the proposed East Somerset and Dorset line that would cross the town. It is a cost-effective option, as it would make use of an existing track and pathway. The junction could also serve as a route that minimizes the freight traffic currently using the existing Somerset and Dorset Line. Moreover, Option 1 might stimulate a much-needed restructuring of Mendip Village station. Option 1 is therefore the most realistic option.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Of the three options examined, Option 1 emerges as the most realistic and cost-effective solution for reintroducing rail service to Shepton Mallet. By making use of existing track beds and junctions, it minimizes construction costs, avoids large-scale demolition of homes and businesses, and serves the widest range of communities within the town. Option 2, while centrally located, imposes unacceptable land-use costs and community disruption. Option 3 offers no clear advantages and performs poorly on every evaluative criterion. The reintroduction of rail service through Shepton Mallet via a north-side station represents a practical first step toward realising the broader ambitions of the New Somerset and Dorset Line project.