Stations with central tracks, platforms on either side: Do trains always arrive/depart on left, or right?

[Ben Rhydding]

Laxey to Snaefell is right hand running

 

[saismee]

Many locations have the layout stated and are signalled for bi-di - Redhill is my closest, where all three through platforms are signalled for trains to run in both directions. Down trains using platform 2 are far more common than up trains using platform 3.

The GEML between Colchester and Shenfield is bi-di. I've run on the wrong side between Beaulieu Park and Shenfield before due to an OHLE fault.

 

[Paul AC]

Laxey to Snaefell is right hand running

It is, yet no-one on the railway knows the real reason why this is the case.

 

[QueensCurve]

Someone will no doubt correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the Newcastle and Carlisle line was built with right hand running and later converted to left hand running.

 

[Gloster]

An unusual example is Sherborne on the Salisbury - Exeter line. What appears to be a double track section between Templecombe and Yeovil Junction is in fact a reversible main line - serving the 'up' platform at Sherborne, which has the station access and facilities....and a down relief line serving platform 2, which is only used when trains in opposite directions are required to pass in section.

That used to be situation when Wilton box was in use and even once Salisbury Panel took over and Gillingham was the fringe to Salisbury. Between Templecombe and Yeovil Junction the Down line was down only and the other line was an Up/Down Reversible. The reason was so that at night Gillingham and Templecombe could switch out, but the Yeovil newspaper train could still run.

This all ended with the resignalling in 2012 and both lines are now bi-directional.

 

[DelW]

Not anymore. All southbound HoW trains now use the same platform as as southbound "mainline" trains.

Thanks, I've not been down that way for a while and I had a feeling I'd heard that it had gone back to normal.

Many locations have the layout stated and are signalled for bi-di - Redhill is my closest, where all three through platforms are signalled for trains to run in both directions. Down trains using platform 2 are far more common than up trains using platform 3.

Though the OP specifically excluded stations with more than two tracks and two platforms

 

[nwales58]

Llandudno Junction platform 3 is regularly used in both directions, 1+3 is preferred rather than 3+4, more convenient for passengers and dispatcher.

I've also had wrong way loops at on the Cambrian line (I think it was Tallerdygg ...

Talerddig is bi-directional (as are all Cambrian ETCS). Standard is first train to arrive goes into the loop so that the other has a clear run through which saves time, usually that is the eastbound but when a westbound is late it can change.

Machynlleth regularly use platform 2, the station building side, in both directions for convenience especially when the lifts are broken. Recently the Belmond train parked at Barmouth and Tywyn has caused opposite platform use. And so on.

 

[matchmaker]

One (very) historic example was Stanley Junction where Highland trains used right hand running. It was a slightly unusual arrangement, better explained at Railscot!

Stanley Junction

 

[SephenWorceste]

I realize this might be regarded as a ridiculous question that everyone knows the answer to, but I'm not that familiar with UK rail, so I ask for your indulgence!

At the typical UK rail station with two tracks (one each for trains going opposite directions) in the center, and then two platforms flanking the outsides of the tracks (often with a footbridge or tunnel connecting the platforms), and a passenger was facing in the direction of travel:

Would the train arrive/depart on the left-hand track, or the right-hand track?

Is this universally true for every rail station of this type in the UK, or do some stations have the directions reversed as compared to the standard stations?

I'm not talking about large urban stations with multiple tracks, or stations with central platforms and tracks flanking the outsides, but specifically referring only to stations with two tracks in the center and a platform on either side. Thank

Worcester Foregate Street train can run in different directions. I believe Platform 1 has to be used by trains both to and from Worcester Shrubhill. Only those tracks lead to and from Shrubhill. Trains to and from Birmingham (not via Shrubhill) can use both platforms. I was told that was why they decided to send fewer trains to Birmingham via Shrubhill when the timetable was once changed. To ease congestion at platform 1. On second thoughts I wonder if I am out of date on this information Perhaps they have improved the tracks and signalling. There was talk of this.

I am always careful to double check which platform my train is gong from. Platform 1 is nicer with a waiting room, cafe and toilets. A person I use to know (railways employee too) got on the wrong train at Worcester. He had assumed a normal platform arrangement. He did not look up from his book until Birmingham New Street. Apparently two hours after leaving the was travelling through Worcester again but this time in the right direction. I suppose occasional, nervous, non rail industry people like me are extra careful.

I might be misremembering this but the toilet arrangements at Worcester Foregate were odd too at one time. If you were on platform 2, you went to platform 1 for the toilets where sign told you to get the key from platform 2, back to platform 2 pick up the key, back to platform 1 for the toilets, and back to platform 2. Quite a lot of stairs each time. We also have a lovely Travel Centre in Worcester Foregate Street. In the arches and a curious smell not unpleasant perhaps old library. Big wooden counters, lots of timetable leaflets and paraphernalia of the railways. Not sure how often it is open now though.

 

[edwin_m]

Much of the GW main line is bi-directional too. A few weeks back I was waiting for an Up train at Bath and surprised to see a freight pass in the same "wrong line", probably doing 40-50mph.

 

[godfreycomplex]

Laxey to Snaefell is right hand running

Sorry to be “that guy”, but it’s not in the UK

 

[D6130]

That used to be situation when Wilton box was in use and even once Salisbury Panel took over and Gillingham was the fringe to Salisbury. Between Templecombe and Yeovil Junction the Down line was down only and the other line was an Up/Down Reversible. The reason was so that at night Gillingham and Templecombe could switch out, but the Yeovil newspaper train could still run.

This all ended with the resignalling in 2012 and both lines are now bi-directional.

Thanks for that clarification. I travelled - very slowly at times due to the embankment problems - from Exeter St Davis to Woking last Saturday. However I was sitting on the left hand side in direction of travel, so I couldn't observe the signalling closely.

 

[PeterC]

Worcester Foregate St is another station that superficially has the OP's specified layout (two tracks between side platforms), but trains use both lines in both directions. The tracks diverge to different routes east of the station.

That almost caught me out on a day trip to Worcester. I assumed that my train home would be from the opposite platform and made my way there without studying the signage. It was only on the platform that i realised my.mistake. Luckily I was in good time for my train.

 

[Jakko542]

Navigation Road has a traditional two tracks in the middle with a platform either side type layout.
Both tracks are bi-directional, with one being used exclusively by Manchester Metrolink light rail, and one only by National Rail services, so it's perfectly possible (and not all that unusual) for two trains to pass each other both running on the "right-hand track".

 

[Taunton]

In Northern Ireland (so UK) they long followed the overall Ireland approach on single lines, that at passing stations there is one straight main track, serving the main station building, and the loop track serves a bleaker platform, and is only ever used if trains need to pass, so at some it can go all day unused. Both tracks have bi-directional signalling, even semaphore, and the lesser train is the one put in the loop, nothing to do with direction. Station staff announce if the loop platform is to be used.

 

[etr221]

I believe that at least some of the Welsh Highland (and Festiniog?) Railway stations are set up for right hand running through the loops - and with sprung points, that's the way it works.
I recall being told the reason for it, but not what it is.

 

[cjw714]

Worcester Foregate Street train can run in different directions. I believe Platform 1 has to be used by trains both to and from Worcester Shrubhill. Only those tracks lead to and from Shrubhill. Trains to and from Birmingham (not via Shrubhill) can use both platforms. I was told that was why they decided to send fewer trains to Birmingham via Shrubhill when the timetable was once changed. To ease congestion at platform 1. On second thoughts I wonder if I am out of date on this information Perhaps they have improved the tracks and signalling. There was talk of this.

I don't think the tracks have been upgraded yet. In effect Foregate St is two bi-directional single tracks that then switch to normal running en route to Malvern. All trains from Platform 1 go to and from Shrub Hill while all trains from Platform 2 have to go to and from the direct route to Birmingham.

 

[plugwash]

Another unusual one is navigation road. If it wasn't for the signage and paint jobs you'd think it was a normal two-track station, but in-fact one platform is used by national rail trains while the other is used by the Manchester metrolink.

 

[Fenchurch SP]

At Ockendon trains are timetabled to only use the down platform except during the peak. It's a loop on a single line.

 

[kkong]

Nairn is right hand running when trains pass there.

 

[norbitonflyer]

So the short answer is usually, but not always, on the left.
Exceptions are generally on single track lines, the platform with less facilities may only be used when two trains are passing (eg Aviemore), or when what appears to be double track is actually two single tracks (Worcester Foregate Street, Navigation Road).
Trains may also either arrive or depart "wrong road" if they are turning back - there will be a crossover to allow this to happen.

Outside the scope of the question, but island platforms on single track lines like the West Highland often have right hand running so the platform is on the driver's side.
Also outside the scope of the question are stations with more than two tracks.

 

[156444]

At Princes Risborough, trains to and from Aylesbury use the same platform in both directions to access the branch line, while the trains to and from Birmingham use the 'conventional' left- hand side platforms in each direction.

 

[SephenWorceste]

Thank you for the information. I did wonder how it worked. It is like two different lines. One for each platform. Please could I ask do the trains from platform 1 have to go to Shrubhill or can they switch to the Birmingham line between platform 1 and Shrubhill.

 

[TB]

Would I be correct in suggesting Wakefield Westgate (in terms of services that have come up the hill from Kirkgate and Knottingley?

 

[156444]

Thank you for the information. I did wonder how it worked. It is like two different lines. One for each platform. Please could I ask do the trains from platform 1 have to go to Shrubhill or can they switch to the Birmingham line between platform 1 and Shrubhill.

Pretty sure there is no crossover between the Foregate Street station and where the lines diverge, so I think the answer is trains from Platform 1 have to go via Shrub Hill.

 

[Gloster]

Pretty sure there is no crossover between the Foregate Street station and where the lines diverge, so I think the answer is trains from Platform 1 have to go via Shrub Hill.

There are no points between Worcester Foregate Street and where the lines diverge. All trains to and from Shrub Hill must use the southern platform, and all to and from Tunnel Junction and Droitwich must use the northern one.

 

[Walter Whigham]

At Aviemore, unless two passenger trains are passing each other, all passenger trains use platform 1 where the main entrance and booking office are. This saves passengers having to negotiate an antique footbridge with luggage to platform 2 - a precarious affair especially if you are elderly.

Interestingly, when I boarded the Inverness-KGX train at Aviemore last Saturday, The northbound Tesco Express was routed into platform 2 to allow the Azuma access to platform 1.

 

[Falcon1200]

island platforms on single track lines like the West Highland often have right hand running so the platform is on the driver's side.

That is not why there is right hand running at some West Highland crossing locations; As per Post #17 it is for access to sidings.

 

[Tester]

Not UK, but here are a couple of examples from left hand running countries, which may be of interest to those following this thread.....

1. Melbourne, Australia

Westona station, in the Melbourne suburbs, is a precise example of what the OP is looking for. A single island platform where trains pass on the right, contrary to normal practice.

2. Hong Kong

The MTR line from Tai Wai to Wu Kai Sha (9 stations) is entirely right hand running, solely to achieve cross platform interchange (albeit in one direction only) at Tai Wai.

 

[PeterC]

Not UK, but here are a couple of examples from left hand running countries, which may be of interest to those following this thread.....

1. Melbourne, Australia

Westona station, in the Melbourne suburbs, is a precise example of what the OP is looking for. A single island platform where trains pass on the right, contrary to normal practice.

That does have the advantage that passengers alight on the usual side.