In mid-June, the Western Gateway STB team made use of many modes of transport, by walking, cycling, and travelling by bus and train to the South Coast, where they explored Weymouth, Dorchester, Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch. The purpose of the trip was to:
- gain a better understanding of this part of our region;
- assess the high priority Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) schemes in the area;
- visit the key south coast ports – Portland and Poole – and gain a better understanding of their operations and aspirations;
- review potential cycle routes forming part of our recently-approved cycling network;
- experience rail services in the area and review the regional rail schemes
- Meet the operators soon to launch one of our rural mobility pilot projects – a weekend shuttle bus between Bridport and West Bay
- build relationships with key stakeholders and local authority officers
Day one: Bristol – Weymouth – Portland
The trip began with a train journey on the Heart of Wessex Line down to Weymouth, experiencing first-hand the logistical challenges of the limited, two-hourly service and the rather congested conditions on board. These will be alleviated by a proposal in our Strategic Investment Plan to construct a new passing loop between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill, enabling an hourly service. While passing through Westbury station, we viewed the disused platform that we hope will be brought back into service to enable greater flexibility in train paths and timetabling across a wide area – a key project for the Western Gateway in 2025/26.
Observations:
- Limitations of 2 hour service frequency, congestion and poor carriage quality en route support case for improvements.
- Insufficient cycle spaces for demand.
- High number of wheelchair uses on service, particularly disembarking at Weymouth. Well supported by train staff. Needed some time to disembark.
- Toilets closed at Weymouth (permanent?) creating discomfort for passengers.
Implications for WG work:
Our observations continue to support the need for enhanced service frequency and upgraded rolling stock on the Heart of Wessex Line, as well as the need for accessibility improvements at stations along this line.
From Weymouth, James and Mena took the no 1 bus to Portland. This modern, double decker bus runs every 15 minutes and was moderately full of passengers on both journeys. Hannah cycled the 4 miles to Portland on the Rodwell Trail (NCN26). This easy, largely off-road route following an old railway line was very popular with both cyclists and pedestrians, including many using wheelchairs and buggies. This route forms part of our recently-approved strategic cycle network, linking larger settlements and key destinations across the Western Gateway region and beyond.
Portland Port
The team were grateful for the opportunity to meet with Bill Reeves, Ian McQuade, Joe Roberts and Frank Cox, where they learned about the Port’s infrastructure, operations and future development potential. A mixed business model combines a growing cruise market (currently 50-60 ships docking per annum) with cargo imports including orange juice from Brazil via Ghent (and then onwards by road to Bridgwater), cement from Spain and an expanding market for animal feeds from Argentina (300k tonnes per annum, expanding to 500k tonnes in the future). The feed is stored in facilities on the Port site before being distributed direct to consumers, primarily in the south and south west, primarily using the A37/M5 and the A35. The port also has a smaller, but strategically significant role providing berth and re-supply facilities for MoD vessels (approx. 2-3 each week).
In terms of ground transport, the large majority of connecting movements are naturally by road along the causeway to Weymouth. The Port has a transport deed in place with Dorset Council limiting vehicle trip movements generated by the port to 469 in the AM peak and 407 in the PM peak. There is still a comfortable margin before these are reached.
Looking to the future, Portland Port must look to provide shore power to berthing ships by 2030 to meet government targets. This is a challenge due to the limited grid supply to the isle, so localised electricity generation from waste is being considered as an option.
Portland Port has significant aspirations for future development in the emerging green energy sector, focused on four National Infrastructure level projects clustered in and around the Port in a “Green Energy Island”:
- Off shore wind (2GW).
- Construction of a “Channel Gateway” platform for assembling wind turbines. This would require infilling of a section of the port area.
- Underground hydrogen storage
- Carbon capture, transport and storage. Pumping captured carbon into storage under Lyme Bay.
While the majority of construction materials would come by sea, the projects would require a great deal of manpower and ongoing employment, which would increase commuting traffic. Projects currently submitted for Development Consent Order decision.
The day finished with a bus journey back to Weymouth where the STB officers were able to see the local surrounding area and how the local bus services integrate with train services there.
Observations
It was instructive to learn more about Portland Port’s current operations and future aspirations and how those might affect future ground and sea transport requirements. This also provides useful context for the comments the Port have submitted during our recent consultations on the Strategic Transport Plan and Strategic Investment Plan.
The large and growing cargo market, with its distribution model based primarily across the south and south west (rather than heading for the Midlands), is in some contrast to our existing understanding of road transport requirements and opportunities.
Implications for WG work
Review our understanding of freight movements from the south coast to wider UK markets and its implications for objectives in our STP and SIP, as well as the National Highways M4 to South Coast study.
Consider long term opportunities for transfer of goods to rail/coastal shipping based on our improved understanding of distribution. E.g. Rail transfer of orange juice to Bridgwater.
Note and monitor future Green Energy Island plans and prepare to respond to regional transport implications.
Maintain ongoing communications with Portland Port.
Day two: Weymouth – Dorchester – Poole – Bournemouth
Weymouth – Dorchester (train/bike)
The majority of the team caught the short train journey from Weymouth to Dorchester, while Hannah, undeterred by Dorset hills, cycled via NCN26 – a route which forms part of our strategic cycle network. As this route runs parallel to the A354 for much of its length, it also provided the opportunity to observe conditions on this road, improvements to which form one of Western Gateway’s priority SIP proposals.
The cycle route was generally clearly signed and well surfaced. On that Thursday morning it was also well-used by cyclists, pedestrians and dog walkers, despite a substantial hill (Bincombe Down) mid way between Weymouth and Dorchester.
Between the north edge of Weymouth and Upwey, the cycle route is squeezed into a narrow strip between the railway line to the west and the A354 to the east. A high, solid concrete fence protects the cycle route from the A354. In combination, these create a constrained corridor for the cycle route, which is unlit and from which there is no clear means of escape. This creates intimidating conditions for more vulnerable users, particularly in low light conditions, which is likely to limit use.
On the approach to Dorchester, the cycle route becomes more fragmented as it seeks to overcome severance from both road (A35, B3147) and rail (which bisects on the edge of Dorchester). Unsignalised, at-grade crossings of the busy, dual carriageway A35 with limited central island space create significant barriers to less confident cyclists or those with trailers or non-standard bikes, as well as less mobile pedestrians. The waiting environments at these crossing points is constrained and uncomfortable, with high vulnerability to fumes and road spray.
Once over the A35, the signed on-road cycle route takes an indirect network of residential streets towards the town centre. Wayfinding is fair, but with some missing/delayed signage. Once close to the town centre, the final stretch along Maumbury Road – and particularly its junction with the B3147 Weymouth Avenue – is difficult to navigate with on/off road transitions, limited cycle infrastructure and a lack of clear wayfinding/positioning information. It is understood that this junction has recently been improved, with some additional signage potentially still to follow.
Dorchester stations
The team then looked around Dorchester West and South train stations to note their configurations and accessibility concerns. Dorset Council have made significant wayfinding progress between the two Dorchester stations but it is clear how challenging it is for passengers to move from one to the other. Leaving Dorchester South the finger post sign pointing us in the right direction for Dorchester West was missing! The rest of the route was well signposted and on the level. We were pleased to see both the stations being used by so many passengers, but recognise that more needs to be done in terms of improving accessibility between the stations and within the station . Both stations lack direct step free access between platforms with alternative routes being circuitous. People have to leave the station and go via public roads to get to the other side. Very helpfully and with advance notice at Dorset South trains can be switched platforms to enable step free access. At Dorchester West which is a GWR operated station it was noticeable that the ongoing travel information boards neglect to show South Western Railway services. It is to be hoped with the advent of Great British Railways that a more joined up approach is taken. Dorchester South is manned and its location next to the Brewery Square development creates activity and reassurance whilst Dorchester West feels which is unmanned feels isolated by comparison. Both stations are well cared for with the Friends of Dorchester West station doing a particularly fine job.
Dorchester: Bridport – West Bay shuttle bus
The team were delighted to meet with Dorchester Community Transport and officers from Bridport Town Council, who were successful in securing funding to run a weekend shuttle bus between Bridport and West Bay from Western Gateway/Peninsula Transport’s first South West Rural Mobility Pilot opportunity. We welcomed the opportunity to get a sense of the shuttle bus service we’re helping to fund and appreciate Cllr Dave Bolwell and Owen Clark and Jack Wiltshire from Dorset Council joining. It will be a regular, low-cost shuttle bus between Bridport and West Bay, improving access for all in the evenings and weekends. While we were not able to do the coastal route due to time constraints, the team boarded the bus for a short scenic route to and from Maiden Castle car park.
It was then onwards to Poole. We noted the excellent e-bikes available to rent outside the train station, and the clear bus stops to encourage sustainable modes for onward travel. We then explored the town centre and were able to see the extent of challenges associated with the rail level crossing on the high street. Western Gateway will continue to work with BCP officers and Network Rail to ensure everyone is aligned with the future plans for the growth in the local area and Poole station.
Whilst Poole station is modern with good facilities the route to the town centre is poorly signposted and is far from obvious. Access is via an uninviting subway surrounded by flyovers. Not the most attractive of routes. Future plans for the area will address this.
Our train ride to Poole took us along the edge of Poole Harbour. This has to be one of the most scenic trips in the South West but with rising sea levels there is a real threat to the line and with it connectivity to Dorchester and Weymouth. The Western Gateway is keen to pick up on resilience issues across its area and this will be included.
Poole Harbour
At Poole Harbour, we were greeted by Rosie Macnamara and Phil Armstrong, where we learned about the Poole Harbour Commissioner’s work and extended our knowledge from discussions and presentations that have occurred in the South West Freight Forums. It was great to hear about the decarbonisation plan for the area and learn more about the all the organisations and businesses that operate in and around the Port.
We then had a whistle-stop tour of the port, and saw the Hamworthy Branch train track that the Port are aiming to reopen later this year and is one of the SIP schemes. The track needs upgrading in certain areas, but the key stakeholders such as Network Rail are supportive of the work and Western Gateway look forward to seeing the plans progress over the next few months.
As Jess, James, Hattie and Mena boarded the train to Bournemouth, Hannah wheeled her way to look at the Hamworthy line along with BCP officers Lawrence Harrell and Emily Cooper to see the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) schemes and strategic cycling network in person.
Day three
The team met with Richard Barnes from BCP Council in Bournemouth on Friday morning. We would like to extend our thanks for his time in showing us around the local areas, noticeably the travel centre and coach station outside Bournemouth train station and the areas that are the priorities for the local bus investment plans.
The team finished up a very busy few days travelling by train to Christchurch, with time spent exploring cycle and pedestrian links and bus facilities.
We thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the South Coast, and look forward to planning similar trips to other areas of the region including Gloucestershire and Wiltshire to raise awareness of the STB work, meet stakeholders in person and gain a better understanding of the strategic transport challenges across the region. We express our biggest thanks to everyone at Portland Port, Dorset Council, Dorset Community Transport, Poole Harbour Commissioners and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council for giving up their time to see us and answer all our questions.
