The old station is left partly as emergency evac. Partly because what would be the point in removing it?
Why not reinstate it ? I always wonder why its remain disused for so long. Would there be a benefit in reopening it ?
Why not reinstate it ? I always wonder why its remain disused for so long. Would there be a benefit in reopening it ?
Why not reinstate it ? I always wonder why its remain disused for so long. Would there be a benefit in reopening it ?
I think the platforms are too narrow and fire escape routes not good enough
Why was this station not built under st pancras in the first place I assume where the box is used to be tunnel?
Putting escape routes to one side I don't believe that the platforms are any narrower than the 100 mph up and down fast at Gatwick Airport railway station.
The Midland curve connection that runs round to the present St Pancras didn't open at the same time as the 'Widened Lines', it came later. The route only linked to the Great Northern via the York Rd and Hotel Curves for the first ten years or so, (both those curves now out of use since the 1970s electrification).
So when they were deciding to build the platforms on the Widened Lines, not only was the most obvious location alongside the original Metropolitan station in the open air, but also the only place available for trains to both the GN and Midland routes.
The Met station moved during WW2 and there are still disused platforms on the Met at the old location too, visible from LU trains, still available as an evacuation point. Photos suggest the island forming the down Thameslink and the former Met outer rail platform was pretty narrow at the south end, there's not much width behind the present dividing wall.
are those ever busy?
are those ever busy?
Although the linespeed at Gatwick is 90mph (not that 10mph will make much difference to anyone stood on the platform)
Apparently the old York road curve up to the site of York rd: station is classed as an emergency walking route for any mishaps in the area. It's possible to drive a van down there as well.(road access in the York rd station area. Interestingly , you pass the end of the never used Maiden lane /western curve on the left on the way up. The tunnels are concrete-floored and lit by flourescnt tubes