I have an idea for Harrogate!

[Halifaxlad]

This started out as a very simple idea as an alternative to installing this cross over at Harrogate for LNER AZUMA services, as reported within the Harrogate Advertiser on the 17th January 2020 https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co....t-rail-station-infrastructure-problem-1368759

My initial idea was to use the wasted space that used to the up through road to move platform 3 inwards and make it into an island platform. So effectively having three through platforms, then I realized that if this was possible, a new lift and steps to the footbridge would have to be created. Then I thought why not simply move it inwards and create a separate York facing and Leeds facing bay platform upon the opposite side!

It would look something like this...









To get

 

[yorkie]

Your first Idea was better.

Three through platforms would be useful. Also don't forget LNER are terminating 10 car trains there. A York facing bay isn't likely to be of much use.

 

[4-SUB 4732]

Your first Idea was better.

Three through platforms would be useful. Also don't forget LNER are terminating 10 car trains there. A York facing bay isn't likely to be of much use.

Depends. You could argue in favour of making the Harrogate - York sector into a half-hourly or hourly shuttle; with the Leeds-facing bay then used by a standard quarter-hourly Metro service.

 

[VT 390]

Depends. You could argue in favour of making the Harrogate - York sector into a half-hourly or hourly shuttle; with the Leeds-facing bay then used by a standard quarter-hourly Metro service.

I like the idea of a half hourly York to Harrogate service and a 15 minute frequency from Harrogate to Leeds but I think there should be at least 1tph through from Leeds to Knaresborough. There should be at least 1 through platform whatever is done to Harrogate station even if it was just for extra flexibility.

 

[leedslad82]

Surely you wouldn't need a york facing bay? Isn't there already a disused York facing bay, i.e. platform 2?

 

[theblackwatch]

Surely u wouldn't need a york facing bay. Isn't there already a disused york facing bay. Ie platform 2

Yes that is correct. Last used in the 1980s I think.

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

I like the idea of a half hourly York to Harrogate service and a 15 minute frequency from Harrogate to Leeds but I think there should be at least 1tph through from Leeds to Knaresborough. There should be at least 1 through platform whatever is done to Harrogate station even if it was just for extra flexibility.

Given that Knaresborough has had 2tph to/from Leeds for many years now I very much doubt a reduction in that level of through service would be acceptable to any local stakeholder.

 

[Halifaxlad]

Surely you wouldn't need a york facing bay? Isn't there already a disused York facing bay, i.e. platform 2?

The addition of another York facing bay from my suggestion is purely a byproduct of splitting the platform for access to the existing stairwell and lift. The main benefit would be the Leeds facing bay, that would allow the two through platforms to concentrate on Knaresborough - York and also London services.

I certainly not proposing to reduce services from Knaresborough, which I reckon Harrogate could manage with only one platform since services are timed to cross at Starbeck Crossing.

If the line through Ripon is ever reopened it may be useful to have two North facing bay platforms anyway.