Bare lane - Single track it?

[markymark2000]

I think that Bare Lane should be single tracked and the other track should be removed and the platform given to community use or to make a bigger car park (Depending on the platform chosen to remove).
This would mean that ALL services are guaranteed to stop on platform 1 at Bare Lane (thus ridding any possibility of incidents of the train going onto P2 when pax are waiting at P1 (and unable to change platforms because of the level crossing (I saw this mentioned somewhere on social media happening the other day). It also means the platform can then go to community use. It must be so confusing for passengers not knowing if their train is off P1 or P2.

Any track which then comes up as a result of this could then be recycled.

I think that while the Morecambe line is used, it is fair to say that service enhancements are highly unlikely any time soon and there is almost zero chance the line will need anything more than a single line to keep it going over the next 100 years. Even if a half hourly service was introduced, it would only be 1 train on the branch at a time so the two tracks are useless.

 

[bb21]

Heysham trains must use Pfm 2 AIUI as only that line has access to the ground frame.

Are you asking for significant sums being chucked at the line to solve a small-ish problem?

 

[markymark2000]

Heysham trains must use Pfm 2 AIUI as only that line has access to the ground frame.

Are you asking for significant sums being chucked at the line to solve a small-ish problem?

Would it be significant sums to put the points west of Bare Lane (this would then allow Heysham trains to call at Bare Lane and then move to the correct line just west to get into Morecambe to access the ground frame. Would it save money just single tracking the whole thing and then have the points at Morecambe station (so at the end of the line, you can still use both Morecambe platforms).

The tracks which get pulled up could be recycled then for bigger projects to reduce expenditure there. If Bare Lane 1 got removed, it would allow for a bigger car park which would benefit the passengers.

 

[pdeaves]

The current layout may be the result of sensitivities associated with the nuclear train and where it can wait/for how long it can wait there. Does it still run?

 

[The Planner]

Would it be significant sums to put the points west of Bare Lane (this would then allow Heysham trains to call at Bare Lane and then move to the correct line just west to get into Morecambe to access the ground frame. Would it save money just single tracking the whole thing and then have the points at Morecambe station (so at the end of the line, you can still use both Morecambe platforms).

Yes, probably as much as putting in a massive footbridge once you factor in signalling.

The tracks which get pulled up could be recycled then for bigger projects to reduce expenditure there. If Bare Lane 1 got removed, it would allow for a bigger car park which would benefit the passengers.

Recycled track is worth peanuts against the whole cost.

 

[Aictos]

No, this is a solution looking for a non existent problem.

The only improvements I can see being warranted is upgrading the ground frame to motorised points and controlled directly by the signaller.

Not sure on costs tho, @The Planner

 

[30907]

Purely for info, a look at the timetable confirms that there are 2 trains on the branch twice each weekday, so the OP's comment that the two tracks are useless is incorrect.
I am sure that singling through the station would be nice-to-have, but moving the points and signals (rather than clipping and padlocking them, as the OP implies) would cost a tidy sum and should wait until the area is resignalled.

 

[markymark2000]

Purely for info, a look at the timetable confirms that there are 2 trains on the branch twice each weekday, so the OP's comment that the two tracks are useless is incorrect.
I am sure that singling through the station would be nice-to-have, but moving the points and signals (rather than clipping and padlocking them, as the OP implies) would cost a tidy sum and should wait until the area is resignalled.

A link to both Morecambe platforms would be needed for the Heysham services. I am not suggesting to rid them.
Moving the points to the west of Bare Lane would allow all trains to use 1 platform and then split off onto the right track to Morecambe. Alternatively, put the points at Morecambe and single track most of the line. Either way, both platforms at Morecambe should be available and a set of points will still be needed, it's just a case of where the points will be.

 

[randyrippley]

Stupid idea.
If anything, a new crossover should be installed at Morecambe station to allow normal up/down running. The line is getting busier (many services are standing room only) and will need a more intense service when Eden Project North opens - which is only three or so years away.
Its only a matter of time before improved services will become essential, requiring reinstatement of proper signalling and conventional track use.

As for "community use".........what community ? Playgroup on the platform? Basketball court? Don't be daft. FWIW the The Bare Institute is a couple of hundred yards up the road if you want a meeting place.

The Morecambe line needs enhanced capacity, not reduced

 

[HSTEd]

Assuming Eden Project North actually happens, that proposed cableway will prevent any traffic from using the branch line to reach it.

Indeed it would probably become more economic to negotiate ticket acceptance on the cableway in return for a subsidy than to do anything to improve the railway's operational capacity.
Possibly even reduce the railway operationally to a Morecambe to Bare Lane shuttle.

 

[randyrippley]

Assuming Eden Project North actually happens, that proposed cableway will prevent any traffic from using the branch line to reach it.

Indeed it would probably become more economic to negotiate ticket acceptance on the cableway in return for a subsidy than to do anything to improve the railway's operational capacity.
Possibly even reduce the railway operationally to a Morecambe to Bare Lane shuttle.

Looks like the Eden project will happen, the noises all seem to suggest that the "go" button is imminent.
The cable car is blue sky thinking and I don't realistically think its on the books - though it was conceived by the same guy who originally proposed Eden North

 

[30907]

A

A link to both Morecambe platforms would be needed for the Heysham services. I am not suggesting to rid them.

Apologies, when you said that the two tracks are useless I assumed you meant only one was needed.
If not, the point about cost and benefit made by several posters stands.