Shakespeare tunnel, Folkestone

[Islineclear3_1]

Many moons ago, I seem to remember only corridor stock being allowed through the narrow single bore tunnels under Shakespeare Cliff.

Why are Javelins allowed through?

 

[GatwickDepress]

http://www.kentrail.org.uk/shakespeare_tunnel_works.htm - This may help.

During 2006, there was a change of heart on the decision to deny Dover of a high-speed rail service. A solution was devised for the safe operation of the new units through Shakespeare Tunnel, involving converting passageways between the two tunnel bores into ''evacuation points''.

 

[user15681]

Indeed, the single bore Shakespeare Tunnels did pose an obstacle to the Highspeed service through to Dover. For through running to Dover, either the trains had to have end corridors (a non-starter for high speed trains) or the tunnels had to be modified. To fix this, significant work was undertaken 5 years ago this very month on Shakespeare Tunnel (the opportunity was taken to do works at two other tunnels nearby too). There are a number of passageways between the two bores which Network Rail improved and turned into 'evacuation points'. Basically, walkways were installed in these passageways and so in the event of an emergency, passengers can evacuate through the side doors, head to a nearby evacuation point and leave the tunnel through a 'rescue train' in the other bore.

 

[edwin_m]

Presumably the bore is too narrow to squeeze past the train to reach the end. If so, how is it possible to squeeze past the train to reach an evacuation point, or are these big enough to cover the largest gap between doors?

 

[jnjkerbin]

Presumably the bore is too narrow to squeeze past the train to reach the end. If so, how is it possible to squeeze past the train to reach an evacuation point, or are these big enough to cover the largest gap between doors?

I believe that markers were installed so the driver would stop at one of these and the doors would line up.

 

[user15681]

Presumably the bore is too narrow to squeeze past the train to reach the end. If so, how is it possible to squeeze past the train to reach an evacuation point, or are these big enough to cover the largest gap between doors?

I believe that markers were installed so the driver would stop at one of these and the doors would line up.

Sorry, I should have added, during the works the tracks were slewed ever so slightly to widen the gap on one side (the side with the evacuation points on it) to make evacuation possible. There are markers on the walls that show drivers where they need to stop in order to line up doors with the evacuation points as jnjkerbin says, but should the driver not be able to stop in line, the gap has been widened slightly with the slewing as a lest resort.

 

[edwin_m]

Thanks to both for the clarification.

 

[MarkyT]

There were some other alternative ways of running Javelins to Dover looked at during the early noughties. One option was running from Ashford via a new connection between the two lines at Canterbury. This dusted off an earlier design, put together as a contingency if the cliffs showed signs of collapsing near Folkestone, blocking the line permanently.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Thanks guys - very helpful

 

[cossie4i]

If a 12 car train runs it needs a 2nd Driver in the rear 6 car.

 

[LewFinnis]

As a Dovorian, I must point out that Shakespeare Tunnel is at Dover, not that other place.

 

[GatwickDepress]

As a Dovorian, I must point out that Shakespeare Tunnel is at Dover, not that other place.

Dovorian? Ta, very muchly, now I have a character name for my druid in Dungeons & Dragons now!

 

[Mikey C]

Does the fact that the 395s have sliding doors rather than plug doors help, and thus don't need extra space outside to open?

 

[LewFinnis]

Dovorian? Ta, very muchly, now I have a character name for my druid in Dungeons & Dragons now!

I shall charge royalties.

 

[Waldgrun]

I have memories of BR Class 414 2 Haps being used on stopping services from London to Dover in the Early1970'S as stated below, so did the ban on non corridor stock come into effect ater that time?
http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/features/historical-features/brfleet_hap.html

 

[chuffchuff]

Non corridor stock MLV, loco's etc were only allowed on one end

 

[Islineclear3_1]

I have memories of BR Class 414 2 Haps being used on stopping services from London to Dover in the Early1970'S as stated below, so did the ban on non corridor stock come into effect ater that time?
http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/features/historical-features/brfleet_hap.html

Haps definitely worked London to Dover via Canterbury East as they passed my house when I was a very wee lad.

I don't recall them working via Folkestone but stand to be corrected