Essex Road lifts

[RGM654]

Many underground stations have (or originally had) lifts that go from street level to just above the level of the tunnels, with stairs down to the platforms. But the lifts at Essex Road go from street level to below the level of the platforms, with stairs up to the platforms. Thus the lift shafts go deeper than would seem to have been necessary. Can anyone tell me why?

 

[edwin_m]

Many underground stations have (or originally had) lifts that go from street level to just above the level of the tunnels, with stairs down to the platforms. But the lifts at Essex Road go from street level to below the level of the platforms, with stairs up to the platforms. Thus the lift shafts go deeper than would seem to have been necessary. Can anyone tell me why?

I was curious about this too. Somewhere on the web I found a suggestion that there was a layer of poor geology at the depth the lower lift access would normally be, so they put it lower down where the ground conditions were better.

 

[Hadders]

Essex Road is one of my favourite stations for its utter decrepitness! I believe @edwin_m is correct that the lift depth is to do with ground conditions.

But don't bother with the lifts, go through the doors that look as though you really shouldn't and use the spiral staircase to get the full experience of the station!