Bayford station brief closure in 1973?

[Bishopstone]

The Wikipedia page for Bayford station, on the Hertford loop, suggests it was closed on 11th March 1973, and re-opened on 7th May 1973. This feels unlikely, though I'm aware of several stations and lines where Beeching-era (and subsequent) closures were soon regretted, and reversed. Of course, Wikipedia contributors may simply be wrong on the short 'closure'.

Anyone know the story here?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayford_railway_station

 

[Gloster]

Probably a temporary closure due to rebuilding or as a result of a fire, etc. It is a bit late for a last gasp Beeching closure, but electrification had been authorised in August 1971, so it might be related to that.

 

[Bishopstone]

Probably a temporary closure due to rebuilding or as a result of a fire, etc. It is a bit late for a last gasp Beeching closure, but electrification had been authorised in August 1971, so it might be related to that.

Yes, I wondered whether there was a structural issue or some such, though to my mind that shouldn't count as a period of closure in the official records.

 

[Gloster]

Yes, I wondered whether there was a structural issue or some such, though to my mind that shouldn't count as a period of closure in the official records.

Wikipedia is hardly ‘official records’.

 

[RT4038]

Wasn't the line closed between Cuffley and Hertford North for an extended period, for the electrification works in Ponsbourne Tunnel? Rail replacement buses, calling at Bayford, were operated. Bayford Station was closed to passenger trains during this time.

 

[stuving]

Wasn't the line closed between Cuffley and Hertford North for an extended period, for the electrification works in Ponsbourne Tunnel? Rail replacement buses, calling at Bayford, were operated. Bayford Station was closed to passenger trains during this time.

Yes, it was. Here's a notice in the Herts and Essex Observer of 16 March 1973:

Owing to extensive engineering work which has to be carried out in Ponsboume Tunnel the train service between Hertford North, Bayford and Cuffley will be withdrawn from Sunday 11 March until Sunday 6 May 1973 and replaced by a special Bus service.

 

[Bishopstone]

Yes, it was. Here's a notice in the Herts and Essex Observer of 16 March 1973:

Owing to extensive engineering work which has to be carried out in Ponsboume Tunnel the train service between Hertford North, Bayford and Cuffley will be withdrawn from Sunday 11 March until Sunday 6 May 1973 and replaced by a special Bus service.

Thanks for finding that, which resolves the mystery!

 

[The exile]

Wasn't the line closed between Cuffley and Hertford North for an extended period, for the electrification works in Ponsbourne Tunnel? Rail replacement buses, calling at Bayford, were operated. Bayford Station was closed to passenger trains during this time.

So Wikipedia is incorrect. Although no trains served Bayford in that time, the station was still served (and no doubt the ticket office, assuming there was one, remained open).

 

[RT4038]

So Wikipedia is incorrect.

Misleading, at best.