OHLE over a platform

[Bletchleyite]

Noticed this morning that OHLE runs over the end of Platforms 4/5 at Bletchley from when this was a track into the depot (now removed to allow a 12-car extension).

Does this occur anywhere else? I've never seen it before, and wonder if it has any unusual safety implications, as it does feel rather close to the platform - it would seem a bit easy to end up making contact with it with e.g. a balloon or something.

Any reason why it wouldn't simply have been removed when the track it served was lifted?

Photo is of the above OHLE.

 

[Elecman]

As there isn’t any insulator where it’s terminated onto the structure I must be isolated and earthed

 

[Bletchleyite]

As there isn’t any insulator where it’s terminated onto the structure I must be isolated and earthed

Thanks, I guess inconsequential then.

 

[357]

Doesn't look like it's live to me.

Incidentally it's quite common all over the place to see overhead wires there for crossovers and tracks that have long been removed. Even after a full replacement!

 

[L401CJF]

Not strictly the same but related! I'm sure the OLE is still in situ at Crewe through the original disused platform 1 over the "temporary" walkway to the replacement bus stop at the Horse Landings. If I remember rightly it is surrounded by some sort of insulating cover.

 

[DelW]

Noticed this morning that OHLE runs over the end of Platforms 4/5 at Bletchley from when this was a track into the depot (now removed to allow a 12-car extension).

Any reason why it wouldn't simply have been removed when the track it served was lifted?

One possibility: the portal at which it ends is supported by a substantial double column stanchion with diagonal bracing (see the shadow), presumably to resist the out-of-balance loading from the two terminating catenaries. Maybe the portals behind the camera are of lighter construction and would need to be replaced by a stronger version if the catenary runs were shortened.

 

[Snow1964]

When St Pancras was first electrified, had a cable spanning the station at the end over the bufferstops. But again live part was only over the tracks.

Got changed when it was de-electrified ahead of conversion for International use.

Usual reason for these dead sections is the need to continue the cable to a suitable anchor point on a post or gantry that is braced for side loadings. You cannot just stick a post up where cannot get foundations eg on a bridge.

 

[edwin_m]

I'm pretty sure there's a standard that says life components can't be put above platforms. So if a platform has long single track cantilevers, they will have insulators above the platform edge rather than in the usual position next to the mast.

 

[Elecman]

Correct and someone cocked up on the Northwest electrification where they didn’t do exactly that at either Earlestown or Newton le Williws but I can’t remember which

 

[QueensCurve]

When St Pancras was first electrified, had a cable spanning the station at the end over the bufferstops. But again live part was only over the tracks.

Got changed when it was de-electrified ahead of conversion for International use.

Usual reason for these dead sections is the need to continue the cable to a suitable anchor point on a post or gantry that is braced for side loadings. You cannot just stick a post up where cannot get foundations eg on a bridge.

I remember that. It was like a headspan wire over the concourse. I recall thinking it was an unobtrusive way of tensioning the wires and therefore sympathetic to the architecture.