More likely, a double header with the driver changing ends at Temple Meads.
If you really need to you can still go through the depot, they did it when Temple Meads was blocked a couple of years ago I think. The point is, there's options for traffic to get from Portbury to Devon if it really needed to, and there's not likely to be sufficient demand to justify building the direct curve within the potential lifespan of the theoretical bridge. Therefore if you built a bridge you are increasing your costs to mitigate against a risk that has minimal chance of actually happening.
Apologies I meant the loop itself. That’s been gone lot longer hasn’t it?
It's not shown in the first edition of Baker (1977), so at least half a century!
The West curve was gone either before Bristol PSB took control in 1970, or it was disconnected when Bristol PSB took control and the mechanical signal boxes in this area (apart from Ashton Junction) were closed.
Also demo of the old station buildings at Pill is underway albeit it soft strip at this very moment. Was trying to find some old images of station topside buildings but very little out there as they were away from the actual platforms
Shame.
I mean they are nothing of note really - used as offices most recently and historically was DIY store and hairdressers. They will be cleared to make away for accessible parking and ramp down to station
Was any of it particularly architecturally notable or historically significant?
The station building itself lasted into the 90s as a car showroom/garage. The platform canopy was pretty lovely though, for its age/era, and probably would have been listed by now if it had remained.
The particular value would probably have been the “ensemble”. A 1950s branch terminus was surely a one-off in this country?
From the outside photos it was still rather unremarkable. Probably the 1950s equivalent of the station building shown in the publicity images for the new Portishead station!
I imagine not, it'd be a right palava for any records that rely on the road names and any resident or business with an address on the current Station Road. The best option would probably be to make it 'Old Station Road' but the chances are it'll just be left as is.
Fair point - can't be many mid sized town terminus stations that lasted as short a period as it did!
Think it’s due to be two single lines through Pill isn’t it - so looking at that picture 1 of them will.
Correct, the turnout will be south of Pill station AIUI. So the platform coping visible on the right of the picture wont be the passenger platform.
Oi! I walked along the platform on the right of the picture about five years ago! Did have to watch for the tripping hazards otherwise known as the vegetation...
Haha fair. I think this is first time they’ve cleared it right to the embankment behind. Got vague recollections of seeing the shelter under the stairs on right hand side being visible one time too.
On a point of pedantry, It wont be a loop as such but rather just extending the dock line to join south of the platform. Down will be towards Portishead, Up to Bristol.
