MML future changes

[cle]

Yep it is as today - except that the station complex, platforms and running lines (inc TL) wil be blown out and widened, with EWR in the western most platforms of the 'slows' which have through lines north. The bays will be for TL and on the right.

 

[LLivery]

Hi all,

Ive been looking back at my time working with Network rail, predominantly between between Bedford and St Pancras and a lot has changed since I started around 10 years ago. It makes me wonder what the next 10 years will bring.

I see the new Brent Cross station is looking well, the whole area including cricklewood sidings has totally changed, EMR now have 360’s.. the 319’s have been replaced with 700’s.. the list goes on, is there anything exciting which is expected to come, whether confirmed or rumoured.

hoping this makes a interesting read, thanks

- Wellingborough is to get a new station building and entrance on platform 4, to serve one of the new housing developments
- Wixams station has been approved
- Leicester to Burton-on-Trent via Coalville being re-opened for passenger usage is being pushed for, that'd require a new cord at Wigston, but an easy win for a future government

 

[Bald Rick]

that'd require a new cord at Wigston

Not necessarily.

 

[LLivery]

Not necessarily.

Interesting. What's the other option?

 

[JonathanH]

Interesting. What's the other option?

Presumably reversal at signal 273 on the loop at Wigston, although if it really is an option, the question might be asked as to why such a compromise hasn't delivered the project in the past.

 

[geordieblue]

Interesting. What's the other option?

I believe there were proposals for a new 'Leicester South' station where the Coalville trains could terminate, and passengers could either change onto a northbound train for access to Leicester station itself, or walk to their destination. Sub-optimal but would save millions of quid

 

[43074]

I believe there were proposals for a new 'Leicester South' station where the Coalville trains could terminate, and passengers could either change onto a northbound train for access to Leicester station itself, or walk to their destination. Sub-optimal but would save millions of quid

That would cost millions in its own right, as the railway through Knighton and Wigston comes out of Knighton Tunnel, then over a viaduct and steep embankment, before going into a fairly deep cutting towards the Junction. Not an easy place to stick a station.

 

[Bald Rick]

Interesting. What's the other option?

Presumably reversal at signal 273 on the loop at Wigston, although if it really is an option, the question might be asked as to why such a compromise hasn't delivered the project in the past.

A chord needs major planning consent, compulsory purchase etc. Just that process adds millions to the project, before a sleeper is laid, new junctions, signalling, etc.

In comparison, a platform by the King Power will be peanuts.

 

[LLivery]

Presumably reversal at signal 273 on the loop at Wigston, although if it really is an option, the question might be asked as to why such a compromise hasn't delivered the project in the past.

This is what I was thinking!

That would cost millions in its own right, as the railway through Knighton and Wigston comes out of Knighton Tunnel, then over a viaduct and steep embankment, before going into a fairly deep cutting towards the Junction. Not an easy place to stick a station.

I've heard about a Leicester South station, but didn't realise there's a proposal to actually terminate trains there.

Assuming it be between Knighton Fields Road West and Knighton Lane bridges on the MML and CrossCountry would provide the interchange?

A chord needs major planning consent, compulsory purchase etc. Just that process adds millions to the project, before a sleeper is laid, new junctions, signalling, etc.

In comparison, a platform by the King Power will be peanuts.

So not on the Main Line, but turn around trains at King Power? That's quite a walk from the Midland station. It's a doable walk for me, but for some that might as well be Leicester North.

 

[geordieblue]

That would cost millions in its own right, as the railway through Knighton and Wigston comes out of Knighton Tunnel, then over a viaduct and steep embankment, before going into a fairly deep cutting towards the Junction. Not an easy place to stick a station.

Ah I had misunderstood the proposals - having looked again I don't think there is any rail interchange proposed. Which does leave the project in a slightly awkward but obviously far cheaper place, and I guess there would always be potential to build a chord later.