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METRE GAUGE

Many continental towns use metre gauge with complete success and there is no engineering reason why Bath should not do so too.

In the future metre gauge might cause a problem if the Bath system were to be connected to Bristol, either through the Norton-Radstock conurbation or along the old Midland Railway line through Bitton.
Bristol is obliged to use standard gauge track for its new tramway because the tracks Northwards from Temple Meads are under the control of Railtrack who reserve the right to use them for rail freight traffic during the night when the tramway is not running . These tracks must, of course, be 'Standard Gauge', 4 foot 81/2 inches or 1435 mm and this sets the standard for the whole Bristol tramway system and for Bath as well.

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