Doncaster avoiding line

[Scott M]

Out of curiosity is this line ever used, and if so what type of traffic uses it - freight only?

Additionally is there any way of tracking whether a train uses lines like this on realtimetrains? So far the only way I have found would be to click on every train that goes through Hexthorpe junction, and see which ones also go through Bentley junction without passing through Doncaster - but this is somewhat tedious.

 

[Bertie the bus]

There are three Doncaster avoiding lines. Which are you referring to?

 

[Scott M]

There are three Doncaster avoiding lines. Which are you referring to?

This one (see attached diagram):
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doncaster_Avoiding_Line

 

[Darandio]

I think it's freight only? Happy to be corrected. I also don't think there is an easier way to search due to no imtermediate timing point between the junctions. The following is an example of a service that I believe uses the line?

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H27160/2019/06/10/advanced

 

[STANDISH]

Can be done by excursions or rail tours which avoid the station

 

[rick pike]

Off the top of my head there's the already mentioned Scunthorpe to Eastleigh rails and steal trains between Masborough and Hull or Goole

 

[DarloRich]

This one (see attached diagram):
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doncaster_Avoiding_Line

there are three lines that avoid Doncaster but only one is called the Avoiding Line.

 

[dk1]

Can be done by excursions or rail tours which avoid the station

Indeed. The only reason I paid £70 for a railtour a few years ago was for this one section of required track.

 

[anthony kelly]

This line is freight only but has been used in br days for weekend diverted traffic

 

[_toommm_]

Any service that goes direct from Conisbrough to Kirk Sandall i.e. not going through Doncaster, uses this line.

 

[Scott M]

Thank you for the replies all. Figured it would likely be freight and ECS only, hadn’t considered charters though.

 

[at60]

I live about a mile from this line, & though I haven’t checked RTT recently, there used to be around an average of 7 or 8 freights daily.
I also, like you, found the best way to search was by searching Hexthorpe jcn, then checking back or forward from there to work out the route. I personally have never seen a passenger service on the avoiding line, despite working in the area & also cycling alongside it regularly.