Filton Bank is the name given to a section of the Bristol to Birmingham line in Bristol, England, roughly between and stations.
Description The line runs from Dr Days Junction where the Great Western Main Line branches off from the Bristol to Birmingham line just south of Lawrence Hill station, to Filton Junction just north of Filton Abbey Wood station where the South Wales Main Line branches off. The Severn Beach line branches off at Narroways Hill Junction. The line was returned to quadruple track for its full length in 2018.Bristol Upgrades Filton Bank Network Rail
History The line was built by the Bristol and South Wales Union Railway. It was four-tracked until 1984 when it was reduced to double track, with the running lines slewed over to increase line speeds. In late 2018 it was returned to four-track.NR agrees £33m contract for Bristol four-tracking Rail issue 761 12 November 2014 page 24
Reinstatement
It was announced in July 2012 that Filton Bank would be returned to a four-track layout. This would restore the separation between fast, main line services and stopping, relief line services, increasing capacity on the line. A fourth platform was built at Filton Abbey Wood station. It allowed services on the Severn Beach line to be increased to twice hourly, and the introduction of a twice hourly London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads via Bristol Parkway service.GWR boss says we're on track for a better future for the railways Bristol Post 18 May 2017 The additional tracks were opened on 19 November 2018 with work scheduled to finish in 2019.
The line was planned to be electrified as part of the Great Western Main Line electrification scheme. In preparation for electrification, the footbridge at was replaced to give room for overhead cables.http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/tracking-Filton-Bank-near-approval/story-19269297-detail/story.html In November 2016 it was announced that electrification on this section of line had been deferred due to cost overruns.
See also Rail transport in Bristol MetroWest Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways
References