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Northern and Bakerloo to not call at Embankment for 43 weeks

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bicbasher

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As part of escalator renewal work, the deep level platforms at Embankment will close from January 8th for 43 weeks.

The Circle and District sub-surface platforms will continue to be open and it appears OSI's will be extended at Waterloo and Charing Cross during the works.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-24580778

Northern and Bakerloo lines will not stop at Embankment

Tube passengers are set to have their journeys heavily disrupted for almost a year when two main lines cease stopping at a busy interchange station.

From 8 January, Bakerloo and Northern line trains will not stop at Embankment.

Transport for London (TfL) has advised people to walk to Waterloo or Charing Cross stations or plan their route to avoid Embankment.

The work involves refurbishing four escalators that are 80 years old.

They were last refurbished in the 1970s.

Embankment is one of the busiest Underground stations, serving Charing Cross main line station as well as Trafalgar Square and the theatres and restaurants along The Strand.

TfL said people would not be charged extra for their journeys. The work will take 43 weeks.

TfL said a new fleet of trains which have a higher capacity have been introduced on the Victoria, Central and Hammersmith and City lines.

It has also carried out signal upgrades on routes such as the Northern Line, which will mean that more trains will be able to run.

Circle and District line trains will continue to stop at Embankment during the work.
 
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Peter Mugridge

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TfL said a new fleet of trains which have a higher capacity have been introduced on the Victoria, Central and Hammersmith and City lines.

Surely they mean the Circle Line?
 

simple simon

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Embankment is a lovely station... well, most of it is. I like the way the patterns on enamel wall covers vary in colour range from line to line, whilst retaining similarity in theme.

However, if ever a station justifies the epitath of 'getting lost' then this is it.

There are so many passageways, and especially the Northern Line has platforms which are very much separate from each other (which is unusual for the deep level tube lines).

Simon
 

tunster

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Damn! I normally get off at Embankment and change for the Bakerloo which is a quicker change than Waterloo or Charing Cross (coming from Tooting Bec). And I secretly like the direct walkway between the two lines. :oops:

Being honest though; those escalators do need replacing!
 

Nym

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One hopes they'll do all the station/building services upgrades and updates while the deep level platforms are closed, unless it will be kept for evacuation only (there are still fixed stairs).
 
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tunster

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One hopes they'll do all the station/building services upgrades and updates while the D/L platforms are closed, unless it will be kept for evacuation only (there are still fixed stairs).
They've been doing the same at Edgware Road (Bakerloo) and started taking off all the tiles on the platforms. Bit weird seeing a darkish platform!
 

Nym

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They've been doing the same at Edgware Road (Bakerloo) and started taking off all the tiles on the platforms. Bit weird seeing a darkish platform!

Yeah, there's a hell of a lot of work going on at Edgeware Road (Bakerloo) in addition to the scheduled lift replacement / maintenance. I know of at least three other projects that have jumped on the back of the posession.

Can think of at least two projects if not three projects that will want some time down there if it's a total closure.
 

swt_passenger

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Walking about the length of Charing Cross station about 250 yards on the surface so BBC reporting 'heavily disrupted'.

I'd have thought slightly inconvenienced...
 

simple simon

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Walking about the length of Charing Cross station about 250 yards on the surface so BBC reporting 'heavily disrupted'.

I'd have thought slightly inconvenienced...

yes but isn't it a steep slope which the less mobile will find too much?

What would be useful would be a public schedule of works so that the public can be reassured that this closure really is as short as possible.

For instance, if the Northern Line escalators are being done first then why not keep the Bakerloo Line open until the work crew are ready to start on its escalators.



I am influenced by the closure program when the ELL was converted to become part of the Overground. The ELL was closed just before Christmas, which seemed really *unfair on passengers - since major works did not start until the next year. Indeed, if I recall reading correctly it was February before major works began and even then for a long time nothing was being said to happening in areas that were visible from publically visible locations.


So, how much of the 43 weeks period of these works at Embankment will escalators be idle - when they could be carrying passengers?

Since this work is on our public transport system and not a privately owned office block so the travelling public do have a right to know such things as work schedules.

Simon

* yes unfair, if not downright contemptuous of the travelling public and totally lacking in compassion for the long term secound round of disruption they endured. Before anyone asks, yes, I do expect compassion and respect for the suffering of others to at least be recognised when any private or public concern is conducting works that disrupts the lives of others. To explain more / why I say this would be OT for a forum which is about railways.
 
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bicbasher

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yes but isn't it a steep slope which the less mobile will find too much?

What would be useful would be a public schedule of works so that the public can be reassured that this closure really is as short as possible.

For instance, if the Northern Line escalators are being done first then why not keep the Bakerloo Line open until the work crew are ready to start on its escalators.

The time allocated gives an opportunity to do platform work which may not be viable if the station is only closed overnight.

However, it's a small inconvenience for a short walk at street level along Villiers Street to Charing Cross.
 
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Tetchytyke

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There are so many passageways, and especially the Northern Line has platforms which are very much separate from each other (which is unusual for the deep level tube lines).

That's from when the line was first built, as it initially terminated at Embankment on a loop. That's why the northbound platform has such a sharp curve too.

As for "publishing a timetable of work", what would that actually achieve? The heavy duty work doesn't always get done in order, and many people will not actually understand what they're being told. The ELL upgrade closed when it needed to for preparatory work, and just because the work is not immediately visible doesn't mean that it is not happening.

The few people who *need* to interchange between the District/Circle and the Northern/Bakerloo at that station can do so at Charing Cross station, which is a short walk up a pedestrianized street. Everyone else can interchange at Westminster, Victoria or Bank/Monument very easily.
 

Peter Mugridge

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That's from when the line was first built, as it initially terminated at Embankment on a loop. That's why the northbound platform has such a sharp curve too.

Interesting; is the disused loop tunnel still in situ? Wartime bunker or something?
 

Clip

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What would be useful would be a public schedule of works so that the public can be reassured that this closure really is as short as possible.


8th January - closed


43 weeks later - open.


I am unsure of what you expect them to publish really any more than what wasin the press release.


Just because you never saw anything happen on the ELL doesnt mean that there were no preparatry works before the heavy stuff started.
 

simple simon

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8th January - closed

43 weeks later - open.

I am unsure of what you expect them to publish really any more than what wasin the press release.

Just because you never saw anything happen on the ELL doesnt mean that there were no preparatry works before the heavy stuff started.

I did not see any works underway because I did not try to see any works. I dont live in that area.

Simon
 

Clip

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I did not see any works underway because I did not try to see any works. I dont live in that area.

Simon

As I said though - preparatory works will generally always be hidden from view as they ahve to set the site up - you dont just go in with a bulldozer and start smashing.
 

CNash

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The few people who *need* to interchange between the District/Circle and the Northern/Bakerloo at that station can do so at Charing Cross station, which is a short walk up a pedestrianized street. Everyone else can interchange at Westminster, Victoria or Bank/Monument very easily.

Villiers Street is not pedestrianized; vehicles can and do drive up it and turn off into John Adam Street at the top.
 

WhiteJoker

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43 weeks sounds like a lot to me honestly. Surely they can replace a few escalators more quickly. I know of stores refurbishing the whole store including replacing the escalators (one of which had all 8 replaced) in a week or 4.

Ok. I have to swallow my words. The press release from TfL actually has more information. They also replace fire safety systems, ventilation, lightning and water. So they do more than just replacing some escalators. Just say so then. It will give you more credit with the public.

Bakerloo and Northern line services will not stop at the station while works take place.

Escalators were last modernised in the 1970s
Replacement now essential for key London interchange
Works to replace four escalators at London Underground's (LU's) Embankment station will commence at the start of next year for approximately 10 months. Owing to the nature of the works Bakerloo and Northern line services will not be stopping at the station until works are complete.

The escalators were installed more than 80 years ago and last refurbished in the 1970s; they are now in need of replacing to ensure the safe operation of the station for many years to come. However, as the escalators are located in single shafts, and in many cases with no adjacent staircases, it is not possible for Bakerloo and Northern line services to stop at the station while these works are carried out. Customers wanting to use either line are advised to use Waterloo or Charing Cross stations which are a short walk from Embankment.

The work, which will commence on Wednesday 8 January, will involve replacing four escalators at once to enable this to be done significantly faster. So instead of taking at least 75 weeks if the work was phased, it will now take around 43 weeks.

Escalators on the Tube are longer and more heavy duty than most others, they carry huge volumes of people and run for approximately 20 hours a day. The replacement includes the removal of all components from the machines (some of them weighing up to one tonne) from the cramped space beneath the escalators and the removal and replacement of all associated structural, mechanical and electrical parts.

Nigel Holness, Operations Director, LU, said: 'We have explored various options to carry out these works and keep the station open. However due to the layout of the station it is not possible to carry out these works while Northern and Bakerloo line services are stopping at the station.

'We have taken the decision to have trains on both lines non stopping so that we can carry out the works in one big hit which is the most efficient and least disruptive option. Passengers will still be able to use Circle and District line services.

'Customers wanting to travel to and from the Northern and Bakerloo lines are advised to use either Waterloo or Charing Cross which is a couple of minutes walk from the station. We apologise for the disruption to journeys this will cause but the works are vital for the continued safe operation of the station.'

Ancillary services, including fire safety systems, ventilation, lighting and water cooling will be overhauled as part of this work which is due to be completed by early November 2014. We will also use the opportunity to carry out other station works which will include safety and security improvements including replacing station Help Points and CCTV systems, as well as improvements to the ambience and decor.
 
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Deerfold

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43 weeks sounds like a lot to me honestly. Surely they can replace a few escalators more quickly. I know of stores refurbishing the whole store including replacing the escalators (one of which had all 8 replaced) in a week or 4.

I don't know the exact size of those at Embankment, but don't underground escalators tend to be significantly larger (and harder to access) than those in department stores and such like?

There's 10 at Embankment.

And of course the station isn't actually shutting. the Circle and District lines will still call and all trains will still be running through so it'll still be a busy area.
 
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WhiteJoker

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I don't know the exact size of those at Embankment, but don't underground escalators tend to be significantly larger (and harder to access) than those in department stores and such like?

There's 10 at Embankment.

And of course the station isn't actually shutting. the Circle and District lines will still call and all trains will still be running through so it'll still be a busy area.

They replace "just" 4, but you bring valid points. The press release mentions other works as well. It just doesn't get mentioned in the BBC article.
 

Mojo

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Escalators used on the Underground are very different to those used in shops. For a start they are largely bespoke (although increasingly components are 'off the shelf,' and built on site. They have huge machine chambers at the top and bottom compared to small electric motors in the floor in shops. They are typically in use for 20 Hr each day, every day, and very often overnight to move equipment for track workers, carrying thousands of customers. This is in addition to the safety requirements like fire suppression and monitoring equipment of all aspects.
 

Eagle

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Additionally, shop escalators are out in the open, whereas Underground escalators are often situated in long diagonal tunnels and are therefore harder for workers to access the relevant bits.

EDIT: Deerfold already mentioned that. Oops. :oops:
 

DavyCrocket

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To the person who wants to know the schedule of works, sign up to whatdotheyknow.com and put in a FoI request to TfL for the information. Phrase the question properly and it'll be quicker and free.
 

simple simon

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I'm sorry, someone did a farewell video for escalators?

It visits the ones which are scheduled for replacement.

Your comment is very similar to what people said to me when they found out that I am 'into' trains.

There are many things which people find interesting 'out there' - its (*almost) all good, adding to the rich diversity of knowledge held by the human species here on Terra.

Anyway, what if someone does have an interest in escalators - there are many different types 'out there', including curved escalators and escalators with 'flat sections' more like moving walkways.

I used to know somewhere where there was a pair of long escalators for people going several floors which was flanked by shorter escalators which served all floors. Alas when I went back to film it the whole area had been redeveloped.

What can pose a safety risk are the very short escalators - I've seen people trip on these because they are so short that within seconds of entering it, you're already leaving it. This can easily happen if a person is walking on 'autopilot' whilst talking to someone (who is either standing next to them or on the mobile phone) and therefore not fully aware of their surroundings.

Hong Kong uses escalators as part of a very busy walking route...

I've included some escalators on the "Niche Transports" page on my website.

http://citytransport.info/Niche.htm#lift

This page is being updated and when completed will also include electric boats powered by overhead wires!

Simon

---------------------

*I abhor hobbies which kill or maim any of the lifeforms with which we share this planet. That includes fishing (if for sport), collecting bird eggs, butterflies, animal heads etc.
 
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