Pre Double Tracking Work at Kittybrewster. Report.

[Bill EWS]

Interesting to learn that there is some work going on in regards to the proposed double tracking of the line from Aberdeen station to Dyce and beyond.

As the line was double track before I can't quite see how there could be much difficulty in reversing the single line. The route through the Denburn Valley hasn't been reduced in any way that I know of and likewise between Kittybrewster station (site) and the bridge over St Machar Drive at the north end of the Kittybrewster site. However, it's nice to see that some pre-work is taking place.

Interesting to see the photo of Kittybrewster station site and my old depot, that stood to the left side of the photo. I note a break in the old Down platform that has been made for some sort of access. The Up platform is completely hidden under the overgrowth on the right, hiding what was once a considerable Goods Yard. There had been three stations on this site. The original terminus of the GNSR when first built. The second was an extension to the original station when the line was extended down to Waterloo Docks, that was built on the old Aberdeen-Inverurie Canal. The third was the station as you see the remains today when the Denburn Valley line was built down to Aberdeen Joint Station.

Hopefully, the re-double tracking work will also be part of the latest proposals for reopening the Ex Buchan Branch from Dyce to Ellon and eventually back to Fraserburgh and Peterhead.

https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/noise-warning-for-aberdeen-residents-as-railway-work-gets-under-way/

 

[najaB]

As the line was double track before I can't quite see how there could be much difficulty in reversing the single line.

Good to see actual groundwork starting. Here's hoping that the investigations don't turn up anything unexpected and that the earthworks are all still in good order.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

In areas that have been singled, it was commonplace to shift the remaining track to the centre of the formation.

 

[MarkyT]

In areas that have been singled, it was commonplace to shift the remaining track to the centre of the formation.

That can allow curves to be eased and clearance through bridges and tunnels to be improved. After a formerly double track line has been singled for a while, signalling and other trackside system renewal projects are likely to place cable routes and equipment foul of the former double track, and even structures and drainage may be reconstructed progressively over the years without regard for a second track. Redoubling is often far more involved than simply replacing the former track, it is sometimes more like constructing a complete new double track formation along the former alignment.

 

[Ploughman]

Another factor that can cause problems is clearances.
Some of the original railway companies had tighter structure clearances than allowed nowadays.
If the line had remained double then grandfather rights might have applied if a limited amount of selected stock had operated over the line.
However as it has been singled and now in the process of redoubling then current standards are likely to apply.

 

[Railsigns]

In areas that have been singled, it was commonplace to shift the remaining track to the centre of the formation.

In the case of Aberdeen to Dyce, that was only done in the area of the former Bucksburn station. The remainder of the single line is over to one side of the formation, swapping sides in a couple of places.

There are a handful of minor underbridges which have been reduced to a single track deck since the line was singled.

The line will stay as single track through the two tunnels north of Aberdeen station, going to double at Berryden, then on to Kittybrewster, where there will be a new passenger loop on the Up side, with a connection to the Waterloo Goods line.