Indeed @zwk500 describes it better than I do, though I should point out Shepreth Branch Jn, I understand, ceases to become a fixed diamond junction.
Shepreth Branch Junction was relaid twice as part of the original Cambridge Power Signal Box project about 40 years ago. The 40th anniversary of the closure of the old manual signal box is next month.
The diamond crossing was replaced with a temporary single lead layout to allow transfer to Cambridge Power Signal Box and closure of the Shepreth Branch Junction manual signal box. After this had been demolished the tracks were realigned and the up line now goes through where the manual signal box used to be.
From those drawings that looks like a very substantial lengthening of the turnouts for Shepreth Branch Jn, do you know what the current linespeed is and what it will be after the project?
In 1983 Liverpool Street was the express route to/from London, and the branch only had an hourly DMU shuttle to Royston, so the new junction was aligned for 90mph on the Liverpool Street line and 30mph on/off the branch.
For those comparing before and after pictures the fixed point is Websters crossing which did not move.
I haven't found a map of the proposed new Junction layout but here is a verbal description that I have posted before:
Shepreth Branch Junction
5.2.53 At this location works involve the realignment of the existing track at Shepreth Branch Junction to permit the line speed through the junction to be increased from 30mph to 50mph. This requires new track to be constructed to the west of Network Rail’s existing land ownership. Additionally, track realignment of the Royston branch curve is required for these line speed improvements.
5.2.54 These works are required to maintain performance of train services for passengers.
5.2.55 Approximately 30 new portal and single-track cantilever structures will be constructed. Some of these will replace existing structures.
5.2.56 Works may also be required to alter the existing stepped footbridge (ref BGK/1543B) which crosses the WAML and lines at Shepreth Branch Junction to maintain safety for users of the footbridge following any changes to the infrastructure. The exact scope is to be confirmed.
5.2.57 Two private level crossings, namely Websters and Dukes No.2 level crossings, are proposed to be closed and alternative access provided.
5.2.58 An existing GSM-R Mast will need to be relocated to the west side of the railway to allow new track to be installed.
They could at least terminate GN services at Foxton given the presence of a crossover there.
Foxton has no staff, no car park for the buses, a busy level crossing at the London end of the station and no undercover waiting facilities or toilets. It is completely inappropriate as a rail to bus interchange. I have vague recollections of a weekend a few years ago when the (then) hourly stopping services ran through to/from Foxton but it hasn't been repeated.
On the other hand Royston is a staffed station with covered waiting areas, toilets and a big car park.
WA could run to Whittlesford, however they'll probably be cut back to Royston and Bishops Stortford...
I can't recall Whittlesford ever being used as a rail/bus interchange. Although there are crossovers, every train would need to shunt from the down platform to the up platform. Whittlesford has poor access for buses and no step free access between the platforms. GA usually terminate at Audley End, which has a big car park, staff, toilets, lifts and is signalled so that trains can terminate in the up platform. However, weekend just gone looks like it also included engineering work in the Stansted area, the airport branch also being closed.
There was the partial installation of a UTX just North of Shepreth branch junction, ready for the diversion of the cables when the telecoms node is moved, diggging and installation of the first OLE piles in the station area, a new access point and site compound brought into use, and a whole load of surveys.
I'm sure of this because I was one of the orange-clad people in said possession!
What is UTX please, some sort of crossing?
Talking of which, a new crossing was also installed at the new station site, I think where Dukes No 3 crossing used to be. A strip of land in Hobsons Park has now been fenced off and the contractors (Murphys) have a small work base near to the new crossing, plus a bigger collection of cabins near to Addenbrookes bridge.
Thanks for all the replies, the summary appears to be yes disruption. I guess I'm trying to get an idea of whether it's even more than usual.
Folding bike might be an answer (if I could get one) but my rides are ~70 miles so folders aren't ideal.
Perhaps you should cycle between Cambridge and Royston? The A10 has a cycle path for most of the way.
the layout is, in my opinion, rather short sighted.
The original Cambridge South proposals included 4 tracks Cambridge-Shepreth Branch Junction. What we are getting is a more limited enhancement designed to stand on its own without EWR. The bit that mystifies me is not having two separate down tracks from Shepreth Branch Junction into the new station, which requires less than half a mile of additional track on top of the revised plan.
