Hartlepool Transport Interchange

[OMGitsDAVE]

Well the Interchange is very near completion (it is completed, only thing left to do is the ramp to the bridge)...

We currently have 5 buses per hour using it (daytime - Arriva), and on evenings we have 1... the 4A by Stagecoach. Stagecoach have finally given in to allowing two services to run via the Interchange, Services 4A (Evening only) and 518. Perhaps this means they are looking in to future investments?

It looks very good actually, three public stops & one coach area outside the station doors.
Has anyone seen it yet?

Stagecoach Press Release: http://www.stagecoachbus.com/serviceupdatedetails.aspx?Id=1356


And for the station itself, here's a comparison:
OLD:

NEW:

 

[theblackwatch]

Refurbished platform still as much use as a chocolate teapot I'm afraid!

 

[OMGitsDAVE]

Refurbished platform still as much use as a chocolate teapot I'm afraid!

Exactly, why on earth they can't open it is beyond me, all we got asked during the Tall Ships was "How do we get to there?" - I doubt £5m is needed, as Nitwit Rail are saying. But it's still an improvement.

 

[theblackwatch]

Yes it's just cosmentic though rather than functional. I'm guessing any work would also involve resignalling and a DDA compliant footbridge (or is there a ramp hidden that I missed?).

 

[OMGitsDAVE]

Yes it's just cosmentic though rather than functional. I'm guessing any work would also involve resignalling and a DDA compliant footbridge (or is there a ramp hidden that I missed?).

Indeed, a footbridge would be needed. The old underpass was filled in for the interchange.

 

[142094]

Yes it's just cosmentic though rather than functional. I'm guessing any work would also involve resignalling and a DDA compliant footbridge (or is there a ramp hidden that I missed?).

Think the signalling would only need a platform starter to the north and the resiting of a banner repeater. Would need a footbridge to get access, otherwise you'd have to use the road bridge and walk around.

Indeed, a footbridge would be needed. The old underpass was filled in for the interchange.

Plus they took the old bridge away as well. Seems rather stupid to me

 

[Ploughman]

Is there any signalling amendments required?
Currently non stop services pass through on the UP and railtours can use the UP to stand out of the way for run round purposes.
This seems to me as if the signalling may be in place just the bridge needing some work.

 

[142094]

It would depend on what platform the early morning Newcastle - Hartlepool terminating service arrives at if both platforms were in use (but I guess it could easily be put into the current through platform).

 

[bangor-toad]

I visited Hartlepool for the Tall Ships event and it was nice to arrrive by train.

Is a curved ramp really going to be built from the big tarmac area up to the road on the bridge?
Isn't that really amazingly steep? Should be quite exciting on a double deck bus!

Jason

 

[OMGitsDAVE]

I visited Hartlepool for the Tall Ships event and it was nice to arrrive by train.

Is a curved ramp really going to be built from the big tarmac area up to the road on the bridge?
Isn't that really amazingly steep? Should be quite exciting on a double deck bus!

Jason

It's only going to be a footpath area, with a bike lane too - no double deckers! haha

 

[PinzaC55]

The original reason why the southbound platform was closed was that the luggage/parcels lift was beyond repair and would cost too much to replace.It, and the passenger footbridge were removed in the late 1980's (I think) and the remains of the canopy were left to rot. The southbound platform has had its edge removed and has thus been made unusable.Another victory for Network Rail.

 

[OMGitsDAVE]

Well its still carrying itself at snails pace...
But the bus stops themselves are well used by Arriva, and it offers great connections now.

It looks pretty impressive at night with its lights, i must say!