Blockade to allow Waterloo upgrade to take place, resulting in timetable changes

[GW43125]

Amidst the "there's hardly any trains, you'll queue forever, don't travel" warnings today, i can confirm I spent longer on the train queuing to get through Vauxhall (far too many trains) than the grand total of zero minutes I queued for it.

Unfortunately, they still haven't mastered removing trains off the board that have left so we ran up the escalator to see the tail lights halfway over the crossings already... A bottle of water would have been nice...

 

[infobleep]

Amidst the "there's hardly any trains, you'll queue forever, don't travel" warnings today, i can confirm I spent longer on the train queuing to get through Vauxhall (far too many trains) than the grand total of zero minutes I queued for it.

Unfortunately, they still haven't mastered removing trains off the board that have left so we ran up the escalator to see the tail lights halfway over the crossings already... A bottle of water would have been nice...

They were handing those out yesterday at Clapham Junction and you didn't need need to ask.

Incidentally there was an incident dealt with by the emergency services between Guildford and Havant this evening. My through go out to those involved.

This lead to a three hour and 30 minute gap between services from Guildford to Woking. They did try to run a Guildford to Woking shuttle at one stage but even that got cancelled. Heading south from Woking to Guildford though things faired better and they were able to run one train an hour at least.

I'm sure that can't have helped with passenger numbers on the other trains, seeing as so few services were running.

 

[bb21]

Yes, fatality at Haslemere, not the best start to the bank holiday weekend.

 

[TEW]

They were handing those out yesterday at Clapham Junction and you didn't need need to ask.

Incidentally there was an incident dealt with by the emergency services between Guildford and Havant this evening. My through go out to those involved.

This lead to a three hour and 30 minute gap between services from Guildford to Woking. They did try to run a Guildford to Woking shuttle at one stage but even that got cancelled. Heading south from Woking to Guildford though things faired better and they were able to run one train an hour at least.

I'm sure that can't have helped with passenger numbers on the other trains, seeing as so few services were running.

It was reported yesterday evening that there was overcrowding at Waterloo and that crowd control measures had to be implemented. I suspect the fatality had a lot of to do with that, as there were likely a lot of people waiting around for services on the Portsmouth Direct Line.

 

[infobleep]

For those interested in minor changes, the suburban trains that arrive into Clapham Junction are not leaving early today. Other days on Monday to Friday, bar yesterday, staff were instructed not to wait.

One arrived at 8.20 on platform 10 and was due to wait 7 minutes before leaving for Waterloo. I was even able to take a panoramic shot of it. Couldn't do that on a normal Friday!

Peoole standing in the front coaches but it's not so packed that you can't get on or even struggle to stand.

I just heard that a Windsor train was busy at the front but less so at the back. That might be a train from Windsor rather than to. So I'd say a lot of people are still heeding the advice and not travelling.

 

[infobleep]

It was reported yesterday evening that there was overcrowding at Waterloo and that crowd control measures had to be implemented. I suspect the fatality had a lot of to do with that, as there were likely a lot of people waiting around for services on the Portsmouth Direct Line.

According to Get Surrey, they ran replacement buses between Woking and I think Havant. That's not the first time this year that has been done during such disruption. I'm sure that use to not be the case.

Anyway thought to those involved.

No doubt if Network Rail are able to complete on time, the papers will ignore it, as will have gone well in terms of completing on time.

Is it quiet stressful working on these projects?

 

[3141]

We'll just gloss over the minor detail of a derailment earlier in the works then...

The derailment occurred because a train outside the works tried to get in. That doesn't invalidate the opinion that the works site itself is being run safely.

 

[GW43125]

It was reported yesterday evening that there was overcrowding at Waterloo and that crowd control measures had to be implemented. I suspect the fatality had a lot of to do with that, as there were likely a lot of people waiting around for services on the Portsmouth Direct Line.

I came straight off the tube up to the area under the international platforms and I'd say there were no more than 70 people at once down there.

 

[ijmad]

I came straight off the tube up to the area under the international platforms and I'd say there were no more than 70 people at once down there.

I didn't even realise that bit was open. Will have to check it out next week when I'll be travelling in to work from Denmark Hill to Waterloo via Nine Elms junction every morning

 

[Ianno87]

I didn't even realise that bit was open. Will have to check it out next week when I'll be travelling in to work from Denmark Hill to Waterloo via Nine Elms junction every morning

No you won't. Denmark Hill stops are not to pick up/set down passengers - just a route conductor for the Waterloo curve.

 

[ijmad]

No you won't. Denmark Hill stops are not to pick up/set down passengers - just a route conductor for the Waterloo curve.

Boo, they were listed as making the stop on RTT, assumed it was for passengers :cry:

 

[GW43125]

I didn't even realise that bit was open.

It's open at peak times only. It's a no-frills addition to the peak time subway to the tube

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Unfortunately, they still haven't mastered removing trains off the board that have left so we ran up the escalator to see the tail lights halfway over the crossings already... A bottle of water would have been nice...

Is this just while the service is running to the special timetable? Are the boards perhaps being updated manually for the duration?

I use Waterloo regularly and in normal circumstances I can assure you the trains more often than not vanish from the boards and the platform screens at least a minute before departure.

 

[GW43125]

Is this just while the service is running to the special timetable? Are the boards perhaps being updated manually for the duration?

I use Waterloo regularly and in normal circumstances I can assure you the trains more often than not vanish from the boards and the platform screens at least a minute before departure.

It does it fine on the main station, just not the int'l

 

[FOH]

Looks like the final day of disruption upped the ante with a signal failure at Queenstown Road http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/170345.aspx
Despite occurring from start of service it looks like the disruption will last all day according to the site

 

[jopsuk]

Boo, they were listed as making the stop on RTT, assumed it was for passengers :cry:

if you look at each train, Denmark Hill isn't in Bold - this indicates a non passenger stop.

Also it isn't listed in the official timetables.

 

[EAD]

Does anyone have a view on how the works are progressing given service re-opening is due for the morning?

I know at one point there was an indication things were a bit behind, but I have seen little in the way of an update publicly over the weekend other than a few tweets from SWR saying things are expected to return to normal tomorrow.

Looking at the sentry time-lapses, things look good but of course commissioning and testing will be key.

 

[moley]

Asked this at a station yesterday and was told that an announcement will be made at 6pm regarding whether a full timetable will be in place.

 

[Nicks]

Surely no amount of testing can fully prepare for a peak timetable on day one after these works.

 

[EAD]

Thanks Moley and Nicks - as an EAD commuter I have alternatives (in fact having been taking boat in from Wandsworth during the works, which has been a fun experience). I guess like everyone here is hoping things go well (and people get sufficient notice of any timetable changes) and the peak does not throw up issues (as it so often can).

 

[IrishDave]

Tom Edwards, BBC travel correspondent, has said on Twitter (@BBCTomEdwards):
"Sources have told BBC London that #waterlooupgrade is delayed by 24hrs. Unconfirmed as yet."

In contrast, SWT Journey Check indicates that platforms 15-19 will be shut from 16:00, with services reduced in order to cope - this is presumably in order to facilitate the completion of the testing works and hopefully not overrun into tomorrow morning...

 

[JStrainspotter]

Tom Edwards, BBC travel correspondent, has said on Twitter (@BBCTomEdwards):
"Sources have told BBC London that #waterlooupgrade is delayed by 24hrs. Unconfirmed as yet."

In contrast, SWT Journey Check indicates that platforms 15-19 will be shut from 16:00, with services reduced in order to cope - this is presumably in order to facilitate the completion of the testing works and hopefully not overrun into tomorrow morning...

If it does overrun, that affects Southeastern too, then meaning Southern and Thameslink will get even more overcrowded. Doesn't look good for the South tomorrow.

Also, how could they even supply an ADAQUATE service with ONLY the intl platforms.

 

[Fiyero]

Tom Edwards, BBC travel correspondent, has said on Twitter (@BBCTomEdwards):
"Sources have told BBC London that #waterlooupgrade is delayed by 24hrs. Unconfirmed as yet."

In contrast, SWT Journey Check indicates that platforms 15-19 will be shut from 16:00, with services reduced in order to cope - this is presumably in order to facilitate the completion of the testing works and hopefully not overrun into tomorrow morning...

I am at Southampton and just seen that on the screen, luckily only travelling to Eastleigh. Does that mean the only platforms open this evening are the ex Eurostar ones? Glad I didn't pop to London today as I was tempted!!!

 

[IrishDave]

I am at Southampton and just seen that on the screen, luckily only travelling to Eastleigh. Does that mean the only platforms open this evening are the ex Eurostar ones? Glad I didn't pop to London today as I was tempted!!!

Yes, the only platforms at Waterloo that are currently in use are 20-24, the old Eurostar platforms.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Once the blockade has finished will there be many points that will need their routine inspection and/or servicing brought forward? Will many need a much heavier servicing then they normally would have the next time they're serviced?

 

[moley]

Tom Edwards, BBC travel correspondent, has said on Twitter (@BBCTomEdwards):
"Sources have told BBC London that #waterlooupgrade is delayed by 24hrs. Unconfirmed as yet."

In contrast, SWT Journey Check indicates that platforms 15-19 will be shut from 16:00, with services reduced in order to cope - this is presumably in order to facilitate the completion of the testing works and hopefully not overrun into tomorrow morning...

BBCs Paul Clifton just tweeted that main station to be given back on time at 0530 tomorrow morning per Network Rail.

 

[ijmad]

Statement from Network Rail - expecting to finish tomorrow, if signalling switch-on goes as expected.
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/feeds/statement-for-media-waterloo-upgrade/

They put Mark Carne in an orange jacket again.

 

[MikeWh]

Related news: Southeastern services to Waterloo tomorrow are diverted to Blackfriars instead.

 

[Class 170101]

Well South Eastern don't share NR's confidence. SE Waterloo services have been diverted to Blackfriars tomorrow.

 

[ijmad]

Related news: Southeastern services to Waterloo tomorrow are diverted to Blackfriars instead.

Well South Eastern don't share NR's confidence. SE Waterloo services have been diverted to Blackfriars tomorrow.

So what do they know that hasn't been made public yet, I wonder...