Heathrow rail link axed

Airtrack, the proposed rail link between Heathrow Terminal 5, south west London and key commuter towns west of London, has been shelved due to a lack of money.

The £675m line was designed to connect the airport terminal to Reading, Guildford and London Waterloo stations, but BAA said concern about the resultant level crossing delays and congestion delays made it untenable.

Heathrow’s surface access director Allan Gregory said: “We’ve listened to the concerns raised by local residents about the impact of Airtrack and worked hard to try and resolve issues including level crossings.

“Despite our considerable efforts, including discussions with Network Rail and the local highway authorities, we have been unable to develop solutions which fully address these concerns.

“We have considered alternative scheme options and how these might be funded but in the absence of securing additional funding in the current economic climate, Heathrow Airport is unable to justify meeting the full cost of the project.”

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