THERE was fresh hope today the double rail line could be reinstated between Dorchester and Moreton.

Campaigners have long argued the five-mile single track section causes unnecessary delays on the Weymouth-Waterloo line.

That problem will only be exacerbated when two trains an hour start running from Weymouth later this year, it is claimed.

A new government study does not rule out the possibility of another track being laid although it is likely to cost millions because of the major works involved.

In exploring alternatives to the Weymouth Relief Road, campaigners argue the upgraded dual line is vital to improve rail services between Weymouth and Bournemouth.

Although Dorset County Council chiefs admit that significant engineering and cost limitations restrict what can be done on the railway network they support the dual line idea.

Keen to promote a 'green' Olympics in 2012 they believe maximising the use of the railway is central to a sustainable transport policy.

County transportation manager Tim Westwood said the authority was lobbying Network Rail to remove the single line constraint.

He said: "We're keen to get the track back because the single line has an effect on punctuality and performance. If a service is delayed it means trains have to wait at Dorchester South or Moreton until the line is clear.

"With two trains an hour that problem will get worse."

He added: "When the line was taken up the remaining track was moved and electrical transformers were placed next to it.

"To reinstate would involve moving the existing line and the transformers.

"The electrical capacity would also have to be upgraded."

A twice-hourly service from Weymouth to London is set to begin in December although South West Trains has yet to finalise a timetable with Network Rail.