Historic rail estate to transfer to Great British Railways

Responsibility for the UK’s Historical Railways Estate (HRE), comprising approximately 3,100 legacy structures, is set to transfer from National Highways and the Department for Transport (DfT) to Great British Railways (GBR). This move has gained support in the House of Lords, aiming to shift management away from a highway safety-first approach.

Criticism of current management

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Lord Young of Cookham, a Conservative peer, argued that the current management of the HRE by National Highways is risk-averse. He stated that the default position often involves demolition or infilling of structures rather than their reuse. This approach, he contended, prevents the realisation of social and economic benefits and represents poor governance. The Transport Select Committee previously criticised National Highways in 2021, urging the department to cease viewing disused bridges, tunnels, and viaducts as financial risks and instead preserve them as valuable public assets.

The Great Musgrave Bridge controversy

Lord Young cited the “Great Musgrave Bridge controversy” in Cumbria as an example of the ill treatment of historic bridges. National Highways spent £352,000 in February 2024 to remove infill from beneath the bridge, a cost almost three times the £124,000 it cost to install the infill between May and July 2021. The infilling of the 8.4m single span masonry arch bridge with approximately 1,000t of concrete was intended to protect the historic structure. However, the decision sparked controversy among locals and engineers, who argued the infill was unnecessary and unsympathetic. It also blocked potential plans to connect two local heritage railways or use the route for active travel.

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Eden Valley district council rejected the retrospective planning application for the infill and ordered its removal. The process took 13 weeks and resulted in some damage to the structure. Campaigners expressed dismay and confusion as no additional strengthening or weight restrictions were implemented on the bridge after the infill was removed. Mike Thompson, project manager at Stainmore Railway Company, described the £352,000 removal cost as an “eyewatering figure”.

Benefits of transfer to GBR

Lord Grayling, also a Conservative peer, stated that the estate's return to the railway world is overdue. He emphasised the importance of protecting the estate for the future development of heritage railways and potentially reopened lines. He also highlighted the need to preserve corridors that could be required if rail demand grows and to safeguard biodiversity. Lord Grayling argued that ill-advised planning decisions or land sales now could lead to the loss of opportunities for growth for historic railway lines.

Transport minister Peter Hendy confirmed the government's intention for the historic estate to transfer to GBR. He pointed to Clause 88 in the Bill, which provides the legal framework for transfer schemes, as evidence of the government's commitment. Mr Hendy stated that GBR will be best placed to consider future investments in the railway, ensuring that new infrastructure supports its overall plan to fulfil its duties and improve the railway system.