Single Lines That Should Be Doubled

[Trainfan344]

Bittern line should be doubled, not likely to happen but it would be nice, and a nice new long station at sheringham...

 

[MidnightFlyer]

I'm intrigued as to why you think that - surely 1tph, especially in the autumn, winter and early spring, suffices out to Sheringham, so why would you need to redouble it? Surely strengthening as and when is required would be better?

I think a bigger priority would be a longer station at Cromer - at the moment excursion trains are limited to 6 coaches because otherwise they foul the junction: it limits the value of trains onto the NNR or to Sheringham.

 

[Trainfan344]

I'm intrigued as to why you think that - surely 1tph, especially in the autumn, winter and early spring, suffices out to Sheringham, so why would you need to redouble it? Surely strengthening as and when is required would be better?

I think a bigger priority would be a longer station at Cromer - at the moment excursion trains are limited to 6 coaches because otherwise they foul the junction: it limits the value of trains onto the NNR or to Sheringham.

Would improve journey times, and a longer platform at Sheringham and Cromer, plus it would make re-instating the Cromer avoiding curve easier.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

How would it improve journey times: is anything actually booked to wait at North Walsham or Cromer for a path over the single line? If not, surely you could say the same for any other line with passing loops in the country too? Far North line anyone?

Further, I would imagine double tracking would make installing the curve harder, as I would think it would be a lot cheaper to install on a single track. Double track means more signalling, pointwork, maintenance...

 

[Greybeard33]

I'd say the Mid-Cheshire line between Chester and Mouldsworth and Altrincham and Stockport, the rest of the line is double so why not just double them two and keep the line nice flowing.

Unlikely. Sharston Junction to Cheadle Village Junction redoubling would require widening of two underbridges (built since the line was singled) and Navigation Road to Deansgate Junction would require eviction of Metrolink (currently the double track consists of separate bidirectional tram and train lines).

 

[AndyLandy]

widening of two underbridges (built since the line was singled)

*RAGE*

Why do people do that? Build bridges that don't consider that the line might be redoubled at some point in the future?

 

[D6975]

*RAGE*

Why do people do that? Build bridges that don't consider that the line might be redoubled at some point in the future?

Almost as bad as allowing building on closed routes that may be needed in the future.

Something definitely needs doing with the Blackpool South line, preferably before the Open is next held at Lytham.

The Uckfield branch could do with the single line stretches reducing, this would almost certainly happen if the Lewes connection goes ahead.

 

[CallySleeper]

Nottingham - Kirkby, The section runs at capacity with only 4tph, and often there can be delays caused by this

Would be nice, but because of the current constraints (tunnels, bridges, NET) I can't see this happening at all aside from maybe one or two passing loops Newstead/Kirkby Lane End area.

Nice profile picture though.

 

[Tomnick]

Would be nice, but because of the current constraints (tunnels, bridges, NET) I can't see this happening at all aside from maybe one or two passing loops Newstead/Kirkby Lane End area.

Nice profile picture though.

There are already two loops (Newstead and Bestwood Park), at least one of which is used to provide a slightly more intensive service in the morning peak. Not bad for a 10 or 11 minute section!

 

[fgwrich]

Nor Templecombe to Yeovil Junction

Templecombe to Yeovil - I've actually put that one in there to slightly catch you out. What i'd like to see happen at Templecombe is the extention of the doulbe track through the station and move the junction to the salisbury side of the station. Partly to allow services to pass in the station, and partly to eliminate that new platform - Yes it's of a new lightweight design, but how much did it cost to design and put in? rather than extending the loop?! :roll:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/Templecombe_Railway_Station.jpg

And while we're at it - rebuild the former Up line / Dinton Marsh line into a dynamic loop.

 

[Waldgrun]

What was the point of the new platform at Templecombe, D'oh! It just to make it easy to access the Car Park, what a waste of time and money, I take it that the footbridge is now closed and the platform with the signalbox cum ticket office is now closed?
Back to the point, Brading to Sandown I.O.W. or at least a loop at Brading, so as a half hourly service can be run, instead of the 20/40 minute service.

 

[gwr4090]

Castle Cary-Dorchester (part) sufficient to permit regular interval hourly services. This is actually specified as an option in the GW franchise specification.

 

[tbtc]

In the same general area, a bigger bang for a smaller buck, and arguably a higher priority, would be the Holmes Chord at Rotherham.

Blackburn - Darwen - Bolton

Two great examples where there could be a much better service if the infrastructure allowed it.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

What was the point of the new platform at Templecombe, D'oh! It just to make it easy to access the Car Park, what a waste of time and money, I take it that the footbridge is now closed and the platform with the signalbox cum ticket office is now closed?

It's to provide disabled access IIRC. The old footbridge has been removed, but the old platform is staying in situ to allow passengers to access the waiting room, toilets and booking office (open Mon-Sat mornings only). It will close next year when a building opens on the new platform, complete with the same facilities as now.

Two great examples where there could be a much better service if the infrastructure allowed it.

Infrastructure does allow it currently on the Darwen line, it's just quite tight and doesn't allow too large a margin for error.

 

[Liam]

The ladybank branch
The montrose to usan section (quite difficult due to the cutting and the two viaducts).

All Ladybank-Perth needs is the track relaid (obv signalling etc aswell). The trackbed is still wide enough for the second track to go back in.

Montrose also needs done, but it isn't going to happen. Longer trains will be needed if capacity is reached soon.

 

[tbtc]

Infrastructure does allow it currently on the Darwen line, it's just quite tight and doesn't allow too large a margin for error.

I appreciate your comment earlier about it being feasible at peak times, but there's an obvious risk in delaying the paths south of Bolton - it'd be great to get done though as it'd link Blackburn and Burnley with Bolton and Manchester (etc) a lot better than some alternative ideas

 

[fgwrich]

It's to provide disabled access IIRC. The old footbridge has been removed, but the old platform is staying in situ to allow passengers to access the waiting room, toilets and booking office (open Mon-Sat mornings only). It will close next year when a building opens on the new platform, complete with the same facilities as now.



Infrastructure does allow it currently on the Darwen line, it's just quite tight and doesn't allow too large a margin for error.

The bridge hasn't been removed just yet - last weekend it was gated off, so presumably this is providing access to the former platform at the moment. Shame though, as theres no sign of any plans or groundwork to construct these new facilities yet. But i do wish they'd have extended the loop through - one less thing to hopefully have delt with in the future, but hey ho. Interestingly though - That single new platform has a max speed of 85mph through there too!

 

[Marton]

Guisborough Junction - Nunthorpe.

Singled in the 1980s, there are now plans for a new station at the hospital

Doubling would give real potential for a decent commuter service to relieve the congested roads.

 

[merlodlliw]

I'd say the Mid-Cheshire line between Chester and Mouldsworth and Altrincham and Stockport, the rest of the line is double so why not just double them two and keep the line nice flowing.

Chester-Wrexham , the same reasons, doubling it up can ensure that trains aren't delayed and run more smoothly

The Saltney/Rossett section doubling work starts in a few weeks, with only four miles Rossett to Gresford hill flyover remaining single.
It was that bridge that caused the single line just to save £450K,

 

[172212]

The Lickley Incline possibly?

 

[RichmondCommu]

I dont think it (Aylesbury - Risborough) will happen any time soon. Said as much in a previous thread. There are 30+ foot crossings on the line plus the level crossing at Marsh Lane. Just the cost of sorting those out is definitely prohibitive.

Why would it be so expensive to extend the foot crossings? Surely all you've got to do is extend / alter the walkways, so why all the extra expense?

 

[Eagle]

The Lickley Incline possibly?

That already is double track (unless I've missed something, it is late after all...)

 

[Andyjs247]

Why would it be so expensive to extend the foot crossings? Surely all you've got to do is extend / alter the walkways, so why all the extra expense?

I think Princes Risborough - Aylesbury was only ever built as a single track. Doubling then requires widening of the track bed, new under- and overbridges and possibly acquisition of land as well. So it's a much more complicated / expensive job than reinstating double track that already existed. I think doubling this section throughout is unlikely to be viable. A loop might be feasible though.

 

[moggie]

That already is double track (unless I've missed something, it is late after all...)

The Lickley Incline possibly?

Recon 172 means the stretch from Droitwich to Stoke Works Jcn.

 

[Ivo]

Grays to Upminster.

OK, so Ockendon is doubled. But the line suffers from timing issues with any delay of more than about two minutes causing disruption somewhere. Doubling it would circumvent this, while also allowing more services than two an hour to run that way.

The only real problem is Chafford Hundred - is there enough room to provide a second platform?

 

[Cherry_Picker]

Why would it be so expensive to extend the foot crossings? Surely all you've got to do is extend / alter the walkways, so why all the extra expense?

I probably should have said more clearly in the earlier post, but I am basing my guess at the cost (ie, prohibitive) on the doubling of the line also seeing a significant increase in line speed which would mean a lot of the foot crossings would need to be replaced by overbridges. Those things are surprisingly expensive.

 

[Class172]

I would say Evesham-Norton Junction, to allow a full hourly service between London-Worcester.

Also I would like to see Droitwich Spa-Stoke Works Jct doubled to allow regular 2tph all day from New Street. Although I can guess that The Planner's going to come along and say all that's needed is a small stretch south of Stoke Works Jct. :roll:

 

[The Planner]

I can oblige if you want. Face facts, if any proposed growth anywhere on the network can be met with a loop or a partial enhancement then that's all you are going to get....

 

[Eagle]

I can oblige if you want. Face facts, if any proposed growth anywhere on the network can be met with a loop or a partial enhancement then that's all you are going to get....

Exactly. If it's cheaper and works just as well then who's complaining?

 

[MCW]

I suggest part of the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton line.

I think it would be quite a viable route for a lot of stuff if they re doubled it. I have visited long Hanborough several times for the bus museum and a once yearly vintage motorcycle and moped run! (more blue smoke than a DMU!)

I also used to know a lovely old lady who lived in the station cottage there in the late 90's, sadly she passed away back in 2003, however, when she was living there, there were still siding tracks in her front garden!!!

the infratructure at some of the stations along the line is still there, so they could renovate stations. The fact the line runs to prominent places like Oxford, Moreton in the Marsh, Evesham, Kidderminster, etc, I think that route could make a lot of money....