Why are there holes for railway staff high up near East Croydon station

[infobleep]

On the east side of the approach to East Croydon from the south, is a larger bricked wall to whole the cutting in place. It has holes for railway staff to stand. I don't know the correct name for them. These being Victoiran. Some are at ground level but a few are high up.

I don't have a photo of it but can anyone tell me why they built the higher up ones and what there use was. Did they have high up signals there in the past requiring these holes to be used by staff?

Wasn't sure if this should go in railway history section or here but as it's still part of the functioning railway, abet not used I'm sure, I've put it here.


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[DarloRich]

On the east side of the approach to East Croydon from the south, is a larger bricked wall to whole the cutting in place. It has holes for railway staff to stand. I don't know the correct name for them. These being Victoiran. Some are at ground level but a few are high up.

I don't have a photo of it but can anyone tell me why they built the higher up ones and what there use was. Did they have high up signals there in the past requiring these holes to be used by staff?

Wasn't sure if this should go in railway history section or here but as it's still part of the functioning railway, abet not used I'm sure, I've put it here.


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Refuges at track level? Higher up the embankment they may just be arches constructed to support the wall of the cutting

 

[infobleep]

Refuges at track level? Higher up the embankment they may just be arches constructed to support the wall of the cutting

I did wonder that. Probably the case. One looks fairly deep.

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[hwl]

The section between East and South Croydon was widened from 4 to 5 tracks in 1907 on the east side so a new retaining wall was built.

 

[msmorley]

Did they have high up signals there in the past requiring these holes to be used by staff?

I think I know the recesses you are referring to. IIRC these are where the supports for the original (overhead) electrification were installed in this cutting.

m.

 

[infobleep]

I think I know the recesses you are referring to. IIRC these are where the supports for the original (overhead) electrification were installed in this cutting.

m.

The section between East and South Croydon was widened from 4 to 5 tracks in 1907 on the east side so a new retaining wall was built.

Interesting. Thanks for the replies everyone. If I remember when I'm next passing I'll take a photo. Probably best when head north as trains usually sloe down on approach to East Croydon.

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[bangor-toad]

I IIRC these are where the supports for the original (overhead) electrification were installed in this cutting.

m.

This is what they are. There are a number of recesses in the retaking wall where the cross members if the original OHLE went. A bit closer to East Croydon you can still see the base plates on the top of the wall.

There are also some similar remnants visible just south of Clapham Junction on a similar retaining wall.

Cheers
Mr Toad