Bradford Junction

[TheWalrus]

This may seem like an unrealistic idea at the moment but in the future would it be worth reinstating the short section of track at Bradford Jn linking Melksham and Bradford-on-Avon? Subject to the success of the TransWilts improved service, surely a direct route between Melksham and Bristol/Bath would be more beneficial than to Westbury. This could improve passenger usage drastically if there was a direct rail link from Melksham to the major cities of Bristol and Bath. It would also make a good diversionary route if the line between Chippenham and Bath was closed.

What does everyone think?

 

[MidnightFlyer]

I'm certain there were a couple of posts about it on here not so long ago, but for the life of me I can't remember where. It wasn't removed that long ago I believe.

 

[D6975]

It still does get used as a diversionary route sometimes, but as the services are all HSTs and sprinters, reversing just after the junction (or at Trowbridge) to access the line isn't that much of an inconvenience.

If a regular Swindon-TM stopping passenger service was to run this way, then reversing via a station stop at Trowbridge would probably be a more desirable option anyway.

 

[TheWalrus]

It still does get used as a diversionary route sometimes, but as the services are all HSTs and sprinters, reversing just after the junction (or at Trowbridge) to access the line isn't that much of an inconvenience.

If a regular Swindon-TM stopping passenger service was to run this way, then reversing via a station stop at Trowbridge would probably be a more desirable option anyway.

Could a reversal at Trowbridge be done easily?

 

[Muzer]

I thought one of the secondary points of the line was to link Trowbridge with Chippenham and Swindon directly. You wouldn't want to lose this, I'd expect.

 

[edwin_m]

It wasn't removed that long ago I believe.

Westbury resignalling, way back in the 80s I think.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Westbury resignalling, way back in the 80s I think.

Thanks, that was the kind of period I remember reading (you haven't said that elsewhere have you?).

 

[MarkyT]

Westbury resignalling, way back in the 80s I think.

I remember it well. There were additional signals provided in the new layout for reversing diverted traffic on either track, but I don't think it's possible to run a reversing train via the platforms at Trowbridge.

Here's a quote from the Sectional Appendix:

GW510 - WESTBURY NORTH JN TO BATHAMPTON JN

Bradford Jn

A white post is provided beside each line on the Trowbridge side of Bradford Junction. Drivers of HSTs requiring to reverse must bring their trains to a stand at the appropriate post and change ends via the cess walkway.
Dated: 05/08/06

As can be seen here at Signalling Notices:

http://www.signallingnotices.org.uk/notices.php?seq=4

Westbury - Bradford Junctions Area project was the very last stage of Westbury Resignalling, completed long after the rest of the Westbury PSB area, and indeed the related Exeter PSB. For over five years years Bradford Junction SB remained a mechanical box 'island', as Greenford in the London area remains to this day, fringing to three separate panels: Swindon, Bristol and Westbury:

http://www.signallingnotices.org.uk/notices_detail.php?n_id=136&swaps=&coll=

Notice Number: No.40
Name: Westbury - Bradford Junctions Area
Railway / Region: British Rail (Western Region) > Western Region
Date of Issue: March 1990
Date of Effect: Saturday 17 March
Description: New layout and associated signalling controlled by Westbury box, Bradford Jcn box closed. NSKT Thingley Jcn to Bradford Jcn replaced by TCB. Melksham GF recovered.
Signal Box(es) involved: CLOSED: Bradford Jcn
ALTERED: Westbury PSB
Issued by: J Mummery, Regional Operations Manager
Issued from: 125 House, Swindon
Size: A4
Colour:
Scans:
Known Copy Owners: dormergreen. (Private owner).
Swaps / Sales Available: You must login or register to see details of swaps / sales.
Record: Added: Edward
Added: 01/01/00 00:00.

They had no scan online for the 1990 notice but here's another one illustrating an earlier scheme in the area:

http://www.signallingnotices.org.uk/scans/42/1969 - bristol stage 1.pdf