Luton DART and Luton Airport Parkway Updates

[InOban]

Don't bank on it opening in 2021. Discussion on an airport forum suggest that it's at least six months late.

 

[Bald Rick]

Don't bank on it opening in 2021. Discussion on an airport forum suggest that it's at least six months late.

Not sure about that. Main civils are well underway, most of the viaduct is done, much of the cut / cover is done, the taxiway is diverted around the hole, terminal buildings taking shape. The programme allows almost a year for testing and commissioning, which, frankly, is rather generous for a two vehicle transit system where each vehicle has a dedicated track.

 

[bspahh]

National Rail Air Operations have posted some pictures of the progress on the new line to Luton Airport

nrairops on Twitter

“Whist the country is in lockdown we took advantage of the drop in air traffic to get these shots of the work at Luton Airport Parkway to link the Station with the terminals. Keeping the country running”

twitter.com

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler

[/URL]

 

[pdeaves]

When I was young (a very long time ago now!) I used to go to that road-over-rail bridge top right to take pictures of the trains passing. I left Luton before the Airport Parkway station was even thought about. I don't think the subject of my pictures would be recognisable now; how things have changed!

 

[Bald Rick]

Brilliant pics, thanks for finding those.

 

[InOban]

I read on a Luton airport forum that work has been suspended after it was discovered that distancing rules were being completely ignored.

 

[baz962]

I read on a Luton airport forum that workingk has been suspended after it was discovered that distancing rules were being completely ignored.

Just been through Luton airport parkway and the builder's are working

 

[gazthomas]

Looking at the pictures and knowing the area well I'm impressed with the engineering they've deployed here

 

[telstarbox]

Is the work still ongoing on this?

 

[InOban]

Yes, according to Luton airport forums.

 

[bluenoxid]

They have just completed the TWAO application for the general bits and bobs (byelaws???) for running a transit system (ability to charge people, penalty fares and throw you off)

I assume that we are just waiting for the whole thing to be approved

 

[ijmad]

Will you be able to get straight on this without going through an NR ticket gate? Or will you exit NR first and then have to wave your ticket at staff (or maybe go through a second gate) like on the busses currently.

 

[Bald Rick]

Yes, according to Luton airport forums.

Footbridge work this weekend.

 

[InOban]

It was scheduled to open next year but I'm sure it was running late even before Covid19. If you Google dart Luton airport you'll find it.

 

[EcsWhyZee]

We are getting ever closer to having a complete transport solution between Luton Airport and London.

Here's the latest from the Luton DART Website:

Work on the Luton DART will be completed in 2021. Below you can see some of the key moments along the way.​

• July 2017: planning permission received
• December 2017: contractors appointed
• April 2018: start of works
• December 2018: opening of temporary new drop-off zone
• Autumn 2019: bridge installation
• Autumn 2020: train installation
• Autumn 2021: open for service

I can't see any evidence that the trains were installed in Autumn 2020 as planned.

Here's the latest update video I could find, it's from June 2020:

There is even less information available about the connection to Luton Airport Parkway Railway Station.

Does anyone have any more recent news?

Given that, in combination with the EMR electrics service to Luton Airport Parkway, this is sold as a multi-modal (but majority railway) project and includes changes to Luton Airport Parkway station I felt this was the right forum for it. Let me know if it isn't.

 

[Dstock7080]

Existing thread:

Luton DART and Luton Airport Parkway Updates

I see work has been ongoing for a few months now at Luton Airport Parkway station for a new station building shell on the east side of the station, and raised tracks going up towards the airport. Is there any further information about estimating opening dates, where and how the new track will...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[bluenoxid]

More recent video fly though from October 2020 by Luton Council

Has the TWAO application to establish various items such as Penalty Fares been approved by the Secretary of State

 

[Bald Rick]

Has the TWAO application to establish various items such as Penalty Fares been approved by the Secretary of State

Not yet.

 

[dbmbridges]

More recent video fly though from October 2020 by Luton Council

Has the TWAO application to establish various items such as Penalty Fares been approved by the Secretary of State

I have put on a link to some photos of the project work in the Station - also morelinks to the project on my blog dbmbridges2.com

I have attached the link to another few progress videos for the Luton Parkway Project.

Hopefully they will be interesting

 

[Bigman]

It's just a shame it blocks the view of the railway from the South facing rooms at the Hampton by Hilton. Stayed there in 2019 and superb views of the trains and aircraft taking off. Looking forward to using it though when it is finished.

 

[JaJaWa]

What are they doing at Parkway station?

 

[dbmbridges]

Hopefully once fully open the bridge will provide a great viewing platform - with over 80 glass panels on the bridge looking up and down the fasts and slow lines

 

[JaJaWa]

New fly through video released

 

[Bald Rick]

Looks fantastic - apart from the traffic cones!

You fan see why new railways in ‘busy’ areas like this are £200m/mile.

 

[Aictos]

Thanks for the video above, one does wonder what they will do with the remains of the former waiting room on Platforms 2/3 as the roof and sides have been removed and it's just the structure there.

 

[Edvid]

More updates and images - courtesy of a local who posts on the PPRuNe forum and an Arup engineer's Twitter feed.

This far into the project, it's only now that foundations for the portion of the station building that will replace the basic Kimpton Road entrance (and links the new footbridge with the DART platforms) are going in.

The walkway that'll link the footbridges has made an appearance too.

And here's a view of the new footbridge (new station building on the left).

In addition, Luton Today say work is underway to put the cars onto the track.

 

[dbmbridges]

More updates and images - courtesy of a local who posts on the PPRuNe forum and an Arup engineer's Twitter feed.

This far into the project, it's only now that foundations for the portion of the station building that will replace the basic Kimpton Road entrance (and links the new footbridge with the DART platforms) are going in.

The walkway that'll link the footbridges has made an appearance too.

And here's a view of the new footbridge (new station building on the left).

In addition, Luton Today say work is underway to put the cars onto the track.

I took the photo below the other day from the NWR bridge walkway London side above Platform 1. The grey link bridge in the post above - does very literally connect the two bridges - slotting in the gap between the new building and station - it is currently being trial assembled and will be lifted in during the next month ( it’s actally needs spinning round 180 degrees as the low end connects with the existing 1999 footbridge )

Hope that helps

 

[Techniquest]

Looks amazing, thanks for the updates. Unsurprisingly I'm excited to try it out when the opportunity arises, it might make the difference between choosing to arrive at Luton Airport by coach and by rail! Coach is my preferred option normally, but this new link makes arriving by rail a far more appealing prospect

 

[cle]

It definitely looks ‘heartily’ specced against airport usage! Refreshing to see over-investment for once. Looks slick and excited to try it one day.

Assuming it will run 24/7? Any indication on pricing?

 

[Bald Rick]

It definitely looks ‘heartily’ specced against airport usage! Refreshing to see over-investment for once. Looks slick and excited to try it one day.

Assuming it will run 24/7? Any indication on pricing?

Yes 24/7. Pricing similar to current bus shuttle AIUI, probably a bit more to reflect the much improved utility. Fairly sure it will be included in the rail ticket price.