I totally agree , Drew.

The business case for doubling the Melksham line has become more compelling since Freightliner & EWS announced plans for more freight train services , which are very likely to be routed via Melksham.

Assuming that our ultimate aim is a 2 - hourly clock - face service , then doubling the Melksham line would allow at least 6 paths for freight trains over a 2 - hour period , and the required 2 passenger train paths over the same 2 - hour period.

Makes perfect sense to me.

Freight train operating companies are becoming increasingly more willing to fund infrastructure improvements (The Woodhead Tunnel re-opening proposal is a good example) and the Future Of Transport White Paper allows for them to pay for access to "key freight routes." I would propose requiring the freight operating companies to pay for the doubling of the Melksham line , in return for three - quarters (six out of eight) of the train paths over each 2 - hourly period.

However , when running freight (especially Intermodal) trains , speed & punctuality are key factors. The curve at the current Melksham station could prove a problem in this respect. As regular visitors to this site will know , 75% of the the current station site is up for sale. I would propose requiring any future buyer to pay for the re-location of Melksham station on the land previously safeguarded for it at the former GEC site.