Pilning footbridge & station

[Henbury Loop]

I read on a group elsewhere that the footbridge is deemed unsafe, will need to be removed in any case to allow for the GWML electrification and as such it looks likely NR will formally close the station.

Is there any truth in this?

There is a lot of development coming in that area and the railway station at Pilning could finally start seeing some decent passenger figures.

If this is the case it is a very short sighted decision.

 

[PHILIPE]

I read on a group elsewhere that the footbridge is deemed unsafe, will need to be removed in any case to allow for the GWML electrification and as such it looks likely NR will formally close the station.

Is there any truth in this?

There is a lot of development coming in that area and the railway station at Pilning could finally start seeing some decent passenger figures.

If this is the case it is a very short sighted decision.

It would only see more passengers if there were more trains.

 

[Henbury Loop]

Yes of course, if there becomes a market for it then that's half the battle.

I'm more concerned with this imminent closure rumour.

 

[Freightmaster]

Sounds like Norton Bridge all over again! hock:


MARK

 

[HarleyDavidson]

The proverbial vicious circle.

No one uses it because in the past BR made the service so poor they abandoned it in favour of Patchway or Severn Beach, so it got the statutory 1 train a week! No one wants to risk stopping there, because it's a waste of time, money & fuel and because there's no decent level of service to stimulate demand then no one uses it. Ho hum.

 

[Bletchleyite]

It would only see more passengers if there were more trains.

Would it? It's in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Henbury Loop]

Not for much longer, as I have said above there is a lot of investment and development coming to Pilning.

Furthermore I thought that it formed part of the evacuation procedure of the Severn Tunnel in the event of an emergency?

 

[HarleyDavidson]

Pilning used to be on the loop from the Severn Beach or Hallen branch IIRC, however that closed 50 odd years ago & the formation lost under the M4 & M49.

 

[NSEFAN]

I can see the bridge needing replacing to allow electrification to happen, although it didn't look unsafe when I visited in April. Either way, need to remove the old bridge might in turn might spell the end of the station, in the style of Norton Bridge. I'm sure if housing developments pop up in the area it would be possible to rebuild the station with a modern footbridge if need be, as there's currently not very much in the vicinity. The local roads would need to be sorted out too as it is currently not easy to access the station from Pilning itself by foot, without needing to watch your back in case cars try run you over!

 

[Kite159]

I can see the bridge being removed and the station going all polesworth and only being served one direction, probably retimed to be the first service of the day on a Sunday.

 

[Philip Phlopp]

The bridge needs to be removed to permit electrification, it's definitely not compliant in terms of clearance and parapet type/height.

The structure was to be removed and a new bridge installed, with works taking place during 2014, but as with everything in the Severn Tunnel area, it's massively delayed - the final design for the electrification of the tunnel isn't quite finalised yet.

I'd guess Pilning is at a risk of being de-scoped and no replacement bridge provided, unfortunately, but someone involved with the project tendering and procurement might better know if the new bridge has been ordered and built, and if so, if it's still allocated to Pilning or if it will be used elsewhere.

 

[Whistler40145]

The questions are

What's the passenger numbers on a daily basis like for this station?

If it was to close due to the lack of a Footbridge and low passenger numbers, what distance is it to the next station?

 

[railnerd]

Hi.
Sorry for slight off topic, but Thorpe le soken has an island platform. The only access to it is a footbridge with no lift or barrow crossing. I heard a rumour that if it doesnt gain PC access by next year it will close.
Is this true?

 

[HarleyDavidson]

The questions are

What's the passenger numbers on a daily basis like for this station?

If it was to close due to the lack of a Footbridge and low passenger numbers, what distance is it to the next station?

Pilning has 1 train a week in each direction, a parly train, similar to the Stockport - Stalybridge line, except it gets a return working!

Hardly conducive to attracting passengers is it!

 

[Philip Phlopp]

The questions are

What's the passenger numbers on a daily basis like for this station?

If it was to close due to the lack of a Footbridge and low passenger numbers, what distance is it to the next station?

ORR data says less than 0.5 passengers per day, but that would be around 3 passengers per day on the 1 day per week trains service Pilning.

Distance depends where you live in relation to the station - go play with Google Maps. Many passengers already live closer to Severn Beach, others may find they're closer to Severn Tunnel Junction but obviously access is an issue there.

 

[HarleyDavidson]

ORR data says less than 0.5 passengers per day, but that would be around 3 passengers per day on the 1 day per week trains service Pilning.

Distance depends where you live in relation to the station - go play with Google Maps. Many passengers already live closer to Severn Beach, others may find they're closer to Severn Tunnel Junction but obviously access is an issue there.

In that the tolls of the Severn Bridge will cost more than the train fare!

 

[Henbury Loop]

If you live in SVB and wanted to travel to Wales you would have to go SVB > BRI > CDF which would take a considerable amount of time.

Whereas going via Pilning you can go direct!

 

[Philip Phlopp]

Hi.
Sorry for slight off topic, but Thorpe le soken has an island platform. The only access to it is a footbridge with no lift or barrow crossing. I heard a rumour that if it doesnt gain PC access by next year it will close.
Is this true?

No.

It will gain an accessible footbridge at some point.

 

[railnerd]

Hi.

Thanks for answering my question Mr. Phlopp.

 

[Parallel]

If you live in SVB and wanted to travel to Wales you would have to go SVB > BRI > CDF which would take a considerable amount of time.

Whereas going via Pilning you can go direct!

Travelling to Bristol Temple Meads from Pilning would be quicker than going from Severn Beach too! The problem is, because the station gets so few services, it's been forgotten about.

The footbridge will need to be replaced regardless, and access to/from the station is poor, especially by foot. However will there be much point to close it, if developments are planned for nearby?

It's a shame the line between Severn Beach and Pilning doesn't exist anymore, it would make a great circular for local Bristol services. (Though the Henbury loop would connect many stations in northern Bristol)

 

[HarleyDavidson]

Travelling to Bristol Temple Meads from Pilning would be quicker than going from Severn Beach too! The problem is, because the station gets so few services, it's been forgotten about.

The footbridge will need to be replaced regardless, and access to/from the station is poor, especially by foot. However will there be much point to close it, if developments are planned for nearby?

It's a shame the line between Severn Beach and Pilning doesn't exist anymore, it would make a great circular for local Bristol services. (Though the Henbury loop would connect many stations in northern Bristol)

You'd get the Bristolian equivalent of the Kingston & Hounslow loops! Out one way & back the other!

 

[freetoview33]

Today I finally took the time to go and visit Pilning station! (It was quite busy, 2 people there) 1 a train spotter and the other a maintenance guy. Looks the station is currently being used as a yard for Electrification work.

I know it is one of the least used stations but it does look like a dump!

I don't agree that the station should be closed, but I think it does need relocating slightly further east, where the B4055 crosses the mainline. As this would be closer to Pilning itself and people might actually use it!

It would have a regular bus link (625) so it would be a good station for anyone visiting Cribbs Causeway and could become useful for the growing distribution centres nearby (Currently the Tesco DC is very closeby)

Yes Severn Beach station is close by, but a new Pilning station would provide better links to South Wales.

Okay I am not saying call every train there as that would be madness! But maybe have it as a request stop for a few trains a day. (Maybe an early morning and evening service to Cardiff, and a few into Bristol, it could cut some pressure from the Severn Beach line!)

I would also like to see a stopper from Cardiff - Bristol Parkway - Swindon, allowing some disused stations to be rebuilt. (Winterbourne, Royal Wootton Bassett) which then could be the main service using the station.

Or even the proposed Cardiff - Birmingham (Via Bristol Parkway) service that is proposed to start in the next 10 years or so. Also the area will become busier when the new M49 junction is built.

Just a thought it would be a sham having the mainline pass through with no station!

 

[backontrack]

Agreed. Wellington, Corsham, Royal Wootton Bassett and Wantage all have railways through them (or very near them in the case of Wantage). They need reopening.

 

[ooo]

I think it should be trialled as more trains stopping daily (as request stops). I think better advertising (perhaps as a park and ride) of the station would be required

 

[Henbury Loop]

I am also in favour of Winterbourne being reopened.

My only concern is that the former station building located on Harcombe Hill is currently used as a Brethren Meeting Hall.

Does NR still own the building? Something I've always wondered.

RE: Pilning has anybody heard anything further about the footbridge or rumoured closure?

I will take a visit there and see what is going on down there also.

 

[Henbury Loop]

Winterbourne station today, in remarkably good condition. No sign of the former footbridge and platforms.

 

[HowardGWR]

I don't agree that the station should be closed, but I think it does need relocating slightly further east, where the B4055 crosses the mainline. As this would be closer to Pilning itself and people might actually use it!

You mean further west don't you?

 

[The Planner]

Not sure I see the point of re-opening Winterbourne? What suppressed demand is there? Presumably anyone that lives there would go to Parkway as it can't be much more than a 10 minute drive? Parkway to Westerleigh doesn't really need trains clogging it up by stopping IMO.

 

[Henbury Loop]

Winterbourne has a population of over 10,000 wealthy residents, congestion of the road network through the area is absolutely hopeless.

Parkway is comfortably a 30-40 minute drive at peak time and as you may well know it is only a couple of miles away.

IMO it would be a very good move to reopen Winterbourne railway station - I'm convinced it would see very good usage figures.

Furthermore it is something that FOSBR (Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways) campaign for, they have a pretty good success rate too!

Back to Pilning;

I had some time on my hands this afternoon so visited once more (not by rail, next train is in 6 days!)

Find below some pictures which I hope you may find interesting.

Station approach



Looking into the large car park



Machinery



Something to do with the electrification?



Works units - canteen, toilets etc



Public telephone which doesn't work



Solar powered help point, I bet they don't get many queries.... note bus type shelter



Former goods yard, now occupied by a business



HST Enroute to London Paddington passes



Looking west towards the Severn Tunnel



More to follow...

 

[Alfie1014]

Hi.
Sorry for slight off topic, but Thorpe le soken has an island platform. The only access to it is a footbridge with no lift or barrow crossing. I heard a rumour that if it doesnt gain PC access by next year it will close.
Is this true?

I would say none, unlike rolling stock there is no deadline for making all stations accessible. That said if the existing footbridge at Thorpe le Soken (which from memory is precast concrete) becomes unsafe Network Rail will have to replace at least with a temporary structure until a replacement is provided.