The future of the Ladywell Bypass

[30907]

Quite a big "if", I would have thought - and not exactly the most critical part of the timetable at Beckenham

Quite, and terminating at Kent House is the obvious alternative.

 

[cle]

Quite, and terminating at Kent House is the obvious alternative.

It used to be used for some of these peak shorter runs (it's rarely used for overtaking) - so that could come back in theory. It's actually an option for the Rainham and adding some extras, if admittedly 8 car length.

I feel like shortening the platforms and moving signals would be quite the faff for some stations on the line. New Beckenham springs to mind as the current train stopping position for up trains is bizarrely far away from the platform entrance/tunnel. I think on a 10 car train only the rear 3 carriages are by the station building.

The signalling would have to change regardless. As to what they do, it'll depend on what happens north of Queens Park, and that NR interoperability.

As frequency will likely need to go up (I think NXG and Lewisham alone will be like Brixton/H&I type demand) - homes for these additional services from Queens Park and up also needs to be considered. Not easy (Stonebridge Park depot needed) - given the 4tph Euston service too which presumably will survive.

 

[HSTEd]

Strictly speaking, the existing electrification infrastructure could remain in place, with an earthed fourth rail added in the style of the Watford DCs.

I think a total rebuild is more likely though, given the line will likely need all the platforms reworking with higher track level.

 

[frankmoh]

Strictly speaking, the existing electrification infrastructure could remain in place, with an earthed fourth rail added in the style of the Watford DCs.

I think a total rebuild is more likely though, given the line will likely need all the platforms reworking with higher track level.

If they are doing a total rebuild, would it not be easier to raise the level of the tracks?

 

[HSTEd]

If they are doing a total rebuild, would it not be easier to raise the level of the tracks?

Yes, that's what I meant.

Raisinh the track level is likely easier than lowering the platforms.

 

[frankmoh]

Yes, that's what I meant.

Raisinh the track level is likely easier than lowering the platforms.

I seem to recall 2 times when the track level was raised on the Hayes line, once in the 60s at Clock House to stop the flooding issues and in 1998 for Elmers End and the trams.

 

[hwl]

Yes, that's what I meant.

Raisinh the track level is likely easier than lowering the platforms.

I seem to recall 2 times when the track level was raised on the Hayes line, once in the 60s at Clock House to stop the flooding issues and in 1998 for Elmers End and the trams.

Given the lack of height on some of the road underbridges for high vehicles, raising the track levels and the bridge decks in places near some stations might be fairly good idea.

 

[zwk500]

Given the lack of height on some of the road underbridges for high vehicles, raising the track levels and the bridge decks in places near some stations might be fairly good idea.

@hwl - I think the difference between platform heights is in the order of a couple hundred millimetres. I think reconstruction of bridge decks is extremely unlikely.

 

[cle]

Raising the track for Beckenham Junction P4 seems more realistic. As for the others, it'll be interesting to see.

But plenty of platform land will go unused. Maybe it won't be touched, but I would hope for some TOD near to the stations upon conversion. Catford has apts right between them!

The stations themselves might get built out a bit more - most are two side platforms with a cursory building on just one side - would have more in the barriers etc - or change to single egress)

 

[frankmoh]

Raising the track for Beckenham Junction P4 seems more realistic. As for the others, it'll be interesting to see.

But plenty of platform land will go unused. Maybe it won't be touched, but I would hope for some TOD near to the stations upon conversion. Catford has apts right between them!

The stations themselves might get built out a bit more - most are two side platforms with a cursory building on just one side - would have more in the barriers etc - or change to single egress)

I have a feeling the two Catfords will eventually merge in the future. I have no doubt that TfL will make the interchange easier even without removing the buildings.

Also, I wonder what the gateline situation would be like for Beckenham Junction, as it currently has no gates and will also be shared between 3 TOCs (SE, SN and TfL) if this gets completed.

 

[NCT]

If the legislation for building the eventual Extension phase 2 allows for the closure of the Ladywell Loop then closure would be the neatest solution. If for whatever reason formal closure doesn't happen and you end up needing a parliamentary service then it would be messy (unless that parliamentary service can be provided in the form of a weekly bus ...).