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Great Western Electrification Progress

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snowball

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Press release on closures at Bristol Parkway:

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/feeds...of-electrification-work-near-bristol-parkway/

Network Rail will be holding a drop-in event to answer any questions residents may have about the electrification of the line between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway at a drop-in event at Stoke Gifford.


The event will take place between 16:30 and 19:30 on Thursday, 16 August at the St Michael Centre, The Green, Stoke Gifford. Network Rail representatives will be on hand to explain the plans and answer any questions.

The railway through Bristol Parkway will be closed between 15 September and 6 October inclusive, and again on the weekend of 13-14 October. No trains will run via Bristol Parkway during these periods.

The upgrade includes the installation of the overhead line equipment (OLE) used to hold the wires for electrification, and we will be putting up masts and wires over those three weeks in the Bristol Parkway area, from Winterbourne viaduct, through Bristol Parkway station, up to Little Stoke, and then along the Filton East Curve.

Over these three weeks we’ll also be testing the overhead line equipment already installed between Royal Wootton Bassett and Winterbourne viaduct.

During these three weeks, trains will still be running using diversionary routes. Rail replacement bus and coach services will be in place for some journeys.

The three-week closure follows similar upgrade work last year, which included building a fourth platform at Bristol Parkway, extending the existing three platforms, and upgrading the track layout in the Parkway area to improve reliability and increase capacity. These upgrades will enable passengers to experience the benefits of Great Western Railway’s (GWR) new fleet of electric trains, including more frequent services and reduced journey times.

Network Rail’s major programmes director David Buisson said “The upgrade in the Bristol Parkway area is vital as we continue to deliver electrification and a more reliable railway for our passengers.

I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to the residents living near the railway and to our passengers for their patience and understanding during this period when we have undertaken modernisation work which forms part of our Railway Upgrade Plan – it is truly appreciated”.

Passengers are advised to check before travelling during the upgrade work by visiting the National Rail Enquiries website, or by checking with the train operator directly using the following links :-

www.gwr.com/bristol2018

www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/bristol2018

To find out more about the upgrade work in the Bristol area please visit

nr.co.uk/westernupgrade
Click to expand...
http://nr.co.uk/westernupgrade
 
59CosG95

59CosG95

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Some more moves out from Swindon Transfer tonight.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/B90173/2018/08/10/advanced: this one runs to Didcot via a reversal at Thingley Jct.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/B90196/2018/08/11/advanced: a continuation of the above; runs back to Swindon Transfer via Reading.

Saturday Night/Sunday Morning:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/B90190/2018/08/11/advanced: runs to Long Dyke Jct (Cardiff), possibly connected with work there. No return path yet though.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/B90193/2018/08/12/advanced: runs to Wootton Basset Jct via a reversal at Thingley. There is a return path in, but from Thingley only for some reason.

Of course, all the usual caveats of STP engineering trains should be applied.
 
59CosG95

59CosG95

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GWML Electrification: State of Play, week beginning 13/8/18.
All mileages given from Paddington, except where noted.
Paddington to Wootton Bassett Jct - LIVE
  • All main line tracks wired as far as Wootton Bassett Jct, and are to be considered "live" as such. Wires towards Bristol Parkway continue to around MP97, around Alderton (see below).
  • TTCs have replaced/been replacing headspans at various locations within London - locations include Westway (beneath the A40), Acton Main Line, Ealing B'way, W. Ealing, Southall, H&H.
  • Everything wired at Reading (bar P4-6 which were never in the plan). Includes the TCD & the curves, down to Reading West (see B&H section).
  • West of Didcot Parkway, all lines are wired & live heading towards Swindon.
  • Everything wired at Swindon; P1-4, and the Through Road. Switchgear at the Bristol end of P1-4 is now live.

Small Points
  • ATF wires in operation from Maidenhead to Wootton Bassett; Kensal Green to Maidenhead currently only using return conductors but will be AT-ready in the near future. Some AT wires up along this stretch now; whether they are live remains to be seen.
    • In preparation for the Elizabeth Line running to Maidenhead, Hayes & Harlington to Maidenhead was closed off over the Early May Bank Holiday (5/5 to 7/5); this included renewals of S&C at West Drayton & Slough West Jct, alongside HOPS work at Langley. Paddington to H&H was also closed on May 6th, and encompassed final OLE works for Crossrail, alongside (presumably) ATF installation, finishing of Platform Extensions, lift shaft installation, passenger footbridge installation, and ticket hall foundation installation.
  • Parapet Work ongoing at Southbury Lane Bridge, Ruscombe.
  • Twyford platform extensions almost finished; the Up Main is the last remaining one to be done.
  • Parapet Work has yet to commence on Butts Hill Rd Bridge, Woodley.
  • Few masts and cantilevers now up on the Didcot Avoiding Line, which finish at Appleford; Appleford LC being the limit of wires for the time being.
  • Oxford Lines west of Didcot Pkwy wired as far as the loco fuelling sdg; Down Oxford as far as 53m31ch, Up Oxford as far as 53m42ch. Didcot avoiding lines have sprouted masts (4 portals, 2 TTCs), with a wire pair over the Down Didcot Avoider.
  • A note on Steventon: Wires up under the High St Bridge (aka the "Brunel Bridge"); however, the bridge may well be demolished in CP6. It *MIGHT* need temporary parapet work to protect passers-by from stray currents; the discussion continues.
  • Both Bourton & Uffington crossovers wired.
  • Overruns through Swindon Jct (77m 36ch) onto the Golden Valley Line have also been wired.
  • Another note on the OLE to Wootton Bassett - testing with IETs will occur in July, and entry of IETs in AC passenger service occurs in September.

The "Main Line"; Wootton Bassett Jct - Chippenham (Cocklebury Lane Bridge)
Until further notice, the 25kV transmission wires will run in a trough from Cocklebury Lane Bridge (just east of Chippenham) to Thingley Jct. Large steelwork is expected to remain in situ until wiring is authorised west of Thingley, but some specific items may be poached if required elsewhere (and duplicates aren't stored at RAF Wroughton). Details given in the "Postponements" section.
  • Track lowering and drainage work at Dauntsey completed.
  • Nr Tockenham Wick, pretty much all the masts are up, TTCs, STCs and portals alike; most have SPS fitted now.
  • All masts (at first glance) appear to be up at Dauntsey Bank (87m ish), with the majority of SPS fitted. Earth wires have also reached the area; extending over both lines.
  • All earth wires are now up between Wootton Bassett Jct & Cocklebury Lane Overbridge.[/COLOR]
  • Over Sutton Ln Bridge, Kellaways (between Christian Malford & Langley Burrell), catenary & contact wires have been erected over the Up Line; these extend eastwards as far as the eye can see. They have not reached Dauntsey Bank or Wootton Bassett yet, to my knowledge.
  • Langley Burrell (east of Chippenham)
    • Most STCs here have their SPS up, folded out of the way; these masts also have ATF wire brackets fixed at the top. Again, these have now extended towards Christian Malford, and beyond towards Dauntsey Bank.
    • Some of the thicker STC masts, which have TTC-style tubular booms fitted, aren't yet dressed with SPS. The TTC "Tensorex" portals at Langley Burrell don't yet bear the Tensorex drums which will eventually go up there.
    • Works compound established at Langley Green L.C.
    • The "termination" twin-track portal west of Cocklebury Lane now carries Tensorex drums & SPS.
    • Another catenary/contact wire pair appear to be up over the Down Line as far as Langley Burrell.
Chippenham (Cocklebury Lane Bridge) - Thingley Jct
  • No piles in Chippenham station, nor any masts affixed to the viaduct.
  • All piles in and majority of masts (and cantilevers) up from the western end of the viaduct to Thingley Junction (where the feeder station will be). About 14 masts are up in the vicinity of Thingley Feeder Stn, 2 of which have TTC booms affixed. Another has an STC boom.
    • Piles continue westwards to the next bridge.
    • Piles also in (and have been for over a year) at Ashley (beyond Box Tunnel).
Thingley Jct - Bath
No wiring for the foreseeable future, but overbridges between Thingley Jct & Corsham have all had clearance works, along with Box Tunnel (track lowering) and Sydney Gardens (track lowering).
Bath to Bristol
Piles in, particularly around Saltford. Not due to see use for a while after the wiring delay. Track lowered through Bath Spa, Oldfield Park & Keynsham in readiness for future wiring.

South Wales Main Line (Wootton Bassett Jct-Bristol Parkway-Severn Tunnel-Newport-Cardiff)

Wootton Bassett Jct - Bristol Parkway; apparently set to go live in September 2018.
  • All catenary & contact wires up from Wootton Bassett Jct to Westerleigh Jct (107m 14ch); Chipping Sodbury Goods Loop is also fully wired. One ATF wire contines westwards over the junction for a short distance.
  • From Westerleigh Jct to Bristol Parkway, all structures are up as far as approx. MP110, in Winterbourne Cutting.
    • On the curve towards Cheltenham Spa, all SPS is now up. The northbound track also appears to have a wire run from the Limit of Wiring to Westerleigh Jct.
  • Earth Wire (on the Down side) now accompanies the SPS up on the STCs and TTCs to the west & east of "The Dramway" footbridge nr Ram Hill (Coalpit Heath); a pair of single masts which seem to be destined for a portal boom can be found just east of the bridge (https://flic.kr/p/23WGyV5).
  • Huckford Viaduct has had bespoke mast fittings applied.
  • The "Blue Viaduct" over the M4 just east of BPW now has SPS up on the masts along it.
  • Winterbourne Viaduct is currently mastless.
  • BPW Platforms extensions complete.
    • TTCs up over all platforms as of 20/3, along with the Down Bristol Goods Loop (opposite P1).
    • Portal now up at the eastern end over all lines through the station. Nothing more up further east on the approach though.
    • A number of masts & booms are up on the line towards Filton Abbey Wood, between Stoke Gifford Jct No.1 (111m 79ch) and Filton Jct No.1 (113m 01ch); these end just short of Filton Jct 1 and will presumably act as an overrun until electrification continues into Temple Meads.
  • Filton Bank bridge works (mileages all from Temple Meads):
    • Easton Rd Overbridge (1m 18ch) completely rebuilt.
    • Narroways Footbridge (2m 12ch) replaced.
    • Ashley Hill Footbridge (3m 11ch) replaced.
    • Bonnington Walk Overbridge (3m 62ch) - parapets raised.
    • Footbridge south of Filton Abbey Wood (4m 18ch) will need work if wiring is to occur.
Bristol Parkway - Pilning
  • The Patchway/Severn Tunnel Blockade is now complete.
  • 2 boomed masts are up at the Welsh end of Bristol Parkway, and a concrete foundation awaiting a mast can be seen next to them.https://flic.kr/p/245kEME A twin track portal has also appeared near there, and the station masts are now gaining SPS.
  • Stoke Gifford IEP Depot all wired.
  • Patchway Tunnels conductor rail installed.
  • Masts, booms and SPS up through Patchway. No wires yet.
    • Cattybrook Brickworks Bridge closed as of 18/3/18.
  • At Pilning, during the Summer Tunnels blockade, all portals and masts have now been erected, and wires have gone up.

Severn Tunnel - Newport
  • Severn Tunnel Conductor rail in place. A number of masts on both sides of the line are now up at Caldicot, just before the Western tunnel mouth.
  • All bridge rebuilding complete from Severn Tunnel Jct (149m 14ch) to Bishton Flyover (152m 30ch).
  • Masts beginning to go up between Severn Tunnel Jct & Bishton Flyover, as of 3/4/18. These include:
    • At least 11 between Undy (Playing Fields Footbridge) and the M4 viaduct over the mains; one just east of the "white house" has a TTC boom. It can be assumed that its 8 comrades will be similarly adorned. Another mast over the Reliefs west of the "white house" has now gained a TTC boom with 1 SPS assembly; it has a twin over the Mains.
    • Another 3 masts (two for a portal boom, one a TTC with boom up) have appeared east of "the ramp" bridge at Magor; these join the sole TTC on the Up side by the bridge. Another can be found on the Up Side, west of the W End/Main Rd footbridge.
    • The 3 TTCs west of "the ramp" bridge (2 on the Down, 1 on the Up) have gained SPS.
    • Masts (with SPS fitted) up between Bishton Flyover (including over it) and Llanwern West Jct (156m 20ch). 5 masts are currently up on the curve down from the flyover at its eastern end.
  • Plenty piles are in around the Bishton LC (153m 01ch) to Llanwern Works East Connection (153m 05ch) area; further west towards Llanwern Works West Connection/Llanwern West Junction (156m 03ch to 156m 20ch), masts are going up at the double. Portal structures/TTCs etc. are up just east of the utility bridge between the Llanwern Connections, and to the west. SPS has gone up too on lots of them; not easy to find exact numbers though.
  • Some masts have sprouted near Lliswerry pond.
  • 6-track portals, probably TGBUs (aka Thumpin' Great Big-Uns) going up aroung East Usk Yard (approx. MP157 1/2).
  • Between the Maindee Jcts (157m 74ch to 158m 16ch), a cluster of piles is in beside the Down Relief; these are complemented by masted piles on the Main side (adjacent to the Up Main).
  • Caerleon Rd Overbridge to be refurbished in 2 phases - 20/7 to 30/11, and then January ‘19 to March ‘19. Not sure what impact on wiring this will have.
  • Some SPS has now gone up between Maindee West & Maindee East; between Maindee West Maindee North Jct (41m 03ch from the former Rotherwas Jct, just south of Hereford; the ELR for the southern part of the Marches Line), masts with TTCs on are also going up (as overruns) over the Marches Line; the termination mast & associated TTC are just north of signal "NT 1559".
  • Fixings for masts have now been installed on the Usk Bridge.

Newport
  • P1 Canopies all cut back; P2 & P3 canopies still in progress.
  • Masts and portals now appearing at the western end of the station, some with SPS attached. More started to appear in mid-April; additionally, two at the Cardiff end & two through the P1 canopy on the weekend of April 28th/29th.
  • 4-track portal now up over the southern 4 tracks, just east of the new station footbridge.
  • Two six-track portals have now gone up over the western throat of the station, just short of a 4-track portal (uprights of) & a TTC (with SPS) adjacent to Clytha Park Rd.
  • Old stn footbridge now removed.
  • A new portal has gone up at the east end of Newport, with all the fixings for switchgear affixed at the top. Droptubes for registration arms are also on.

Newport - Cardiff
  • Around 6 piles are in adjacent to the Up Main between Ebbw Jct (160m 07ch) and Gaer Jct (159m 32ch); these will probably take masts for portal booms. One such boom appears to have gone in! Currently unknown if Alexandra Dock Jct Yard will be electrified.
  • Lots of steelwork up immediately behind the signal gantry adjacent to the Up Main at Ebbw Jct; this includes a full portal boom and a TTC acting as an overrun mast on the Ebbw Vale branch.
  • Over 100 masts from Ebbw Jct to Marshfield (163m 60ch). Booms & SPS starting to appear in the area too.
  • Green Lane Bridge, nr Marshfield (164m 57ch) reopened to traffic after reconstruction. Masts (with SPS) up around here too.
  • Lots of masts (with booms, SPS & ATF brackets) now up near Mardy Rd Bridge, Rumney.
  • Two TTCs, one on each side of the tracks, have been erected by the bridge at Rhymney River Bridge Jct (167m 61ch).
  • About 4 or 5 portals have been erected just west of Pengam Jct (168m 40ch); 5 masts are up on the Up side east of Rover Lane bridge, complemented by 2 on the Down side. Some of the portals now have booms, and bear SPS; one of these has all its registration arms up.
  • A handful of masts are also up around Long Dyke Jct (169m 35ch); some have now gained TTC booms and SPS as well.
  • Splott Rd Bridge upgrade work now complete.
Cardiff Central
  • Re-signalling completed. Platform 0 now open. 3 masts now up over P0/1 with TTC booms.
  • Piling underway at the extreme ends of P1/2 & P3/4 for future masts. One can assume portals will bridge the gap between P2 & P3, over the Through lines.
  • Canopy cut-back work now underway on P2.
  • Brackets appear to be in place on the coping stones on the Taff Viaduct (at the western end of the station).
Swansea IEP Depot
  • New IEP Depot at Maliphant Sidings, Swansea now complete; all steelwork up but no wires.

GWML/SWML Blockades:
  • 14/4 & 15/4 - Swindon; done.
  • 26/5 to 28/5 - Swindon; done.
  • 23/4 to 25/5 (exc. weekends): Complete; Swansea-Padd services are now leaving/arriving at Swansea as per their booked times again.
  • 30/4 to 18/5 (exc. weekends): Complete; Cardiff-Pompey & Cardiff-Taunton services working as normal.
  • 16/6 to 6/7: Bristol Parkway - Severn Tunnel Jct is now complete.
  • 30/6 to 1/7: Bristol Parkway - Swindon; done. What went on here?
  • 6/7 to 3/12: Reduced capacity between Newport & Cardiff Central while electrification progresses; assume only 1 pair of lines open at a time.
  • 15/9 to 6/10, and 13/10 to 14/10: Bristol Parkway blockaded to allow OLE to be installed within the station. RRBs in operation between Yate & Filton Abbey Wood, and between Swindon & Newport.
  • 24/12/18 to 1/1/19: Bristol Parkway - Newport will be blockaded again for more OLE works.
  • More Blockades will follow; details as they become available.

Berks & Hants Line (Reading-Newbury)
Reading-Newbury set to go live from December 2018; electric trains in service from January 2019.
Reading West - Southcote Junction - Theale
  • [All large steelwork is in.
  • Within Reading West, piles for the new footbridge (under Murphy's remit) are in, but have been "decapitated" (i.e. shortened) and capped until a new footbridge solution is found.
  • Both the Down Westbury & Up Westbury lines are fully wired through Reading West & Southcote Jct, but stop short of joining the existing wiring around Theale East crossovers.
  • Basingstoke Line overruns: BOTH B'stoke lines (and crossovers at Southcote Jct) fully wired.
  • Reading West Crossover and the plain line around Theale East Crossover needs wiring.
  • Parapet work now underway on the A4 (Bath Rd) overbridge; Tilehurst Rd overbridge will require similar works.
Theale - Aldermaston - Midgham - Thatcham - Newbury Racecourse
  • Wires over the main lines (DW/UW) from Reading West are now continuous to just east of Kennet Viaduct (nr Newbury Racecourse); approximately at MP 51 1/4.
  • Theale Goods Loop is now fully wired, including over the pointwork at the Newbury end.
  • Platform extension works underway at Theale.
  • The platform extensions at Aldermaston and Thatcham are structurally complete; finishing works (e.g. levelling, fencing etc.) are all that remains to be done.
  • After the gap over Kennet Viaduct, all wires (Catenary, contact, Earth) over all lines (Mains, crossovers and the DPL) resume at about MP51 3/4. These continue through to Newbury (see below).
Newbury Racecourse (excl.) - Newbury Town - Limit of Wiring
  • The electrical substation/PSU at Boundary Rd looks roughly 80% complete. A gaggle of taller masts (presumably for another ATF feeder station) can be seen opposite the Sainsbury's.
  • Bay platform and all through lines (DM, DPL, UM, UPL) fully wired through Newbury station to the limit of wiring. Newbury West Crossovers also wired.
  • At Newbury, the new footbridge is now open (not the lifts yet). The canopy has now been completely cut back, and all the facing boards are removed.
  • Proposed Limit of Wiring: 53m 51ch. Gives Ample room to reverse a 12-car 387 formation.
    • Immunised signalling continues to about MP55 1/2.

B&H Blockades:
  • 12/3 to 15/3; done.
  • 23/4 to 26/4; done.
  • 14/5 to 17/5; done.
  • 2/6 to 10/6; done.
  • 9/7 to 12/7; done.
  • 16/7 to 5/8; done.
  • 28/8 to 30/8,
  • 8/10 to 11/10,
  • 19/11 to 22/11.
Project Postponements
  • Thames Valley Branches: Windsor & Henley deferred to CP6. Marlow removed from scope of current programme. The first few yards of each branch (bar the Henley Branch) have been wired as an overrun.
  • Southcote Jct to Basingstoke has also been deferred to CP6.
  • Appleford LC to Oxford paused; if CP6 accounts allow for wiring to be extended to Oxford, it would be very likely to happen now that Oxford has been remodelled.
  • Catenary & Contact wires between Chippenham (Cocklebury Lane Overbridge) & Thingley Jct have been deferred until (presumably) CP6; presumably this will wait until Bath-Bristol resignalling is complete. All Large steelwork to remain, unless required elsewhere.
  • Bristol Temple Meads to Bath & Bristol Parkway paused, dependent on Bristol resignalling (Taunton-Parkway over Easter 2018; Temple Meads to Bath in October 2018), track remodelling and Filton Bank 4-tracking (to be completed by December 2018).
  • Bristol Temple Meads' "Midland Shed" to be reopened in CP6, after Bristol resignalling is complete and the PSB is demolished.
As always, do let me know if I've missed anything!
(apologies to anyone who saw it in a state of source code chaos too).
 
Last edited:
C

Chonner

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The footbridge over Hinksey Yard Sidings and the Oxford mainline (know locally as the Devils Backbone) has been closed today due to a large works vehicle in the yard striking it around lunchtime, with a rumoured crack in the concrete column the result.
This was one of the "problem footbridges" in the Oxford area, with Network Rail wanting to replace like for like during electrification works (approx 30 steps at either end), and Oxford City Council insisting on a step free replacement. Depending on the repair prognosis, they may be forced to replace it sooner rather than later.
 
Wychwood93

Wychwood93

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Jensen said:
One could say that this is a tad unfortunate...…….
Click to expand...
Indeed. The only time when the FB in question is used would appear to be when steam specials are due to appear - at which point a swarm, coven, clutch (other nouns are available!) of railway enthusiasts are there with cameras etc. Yet to see anybody wandering over otherwise. Perhaps NR and OCC should split the cost? A silly thought. To do what OCC want would probably be a healthy six-figure sum - as NR are involved and the public pays it is possibly a done deal already!
 
59CosG95

59CosG95

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Wychwood93 said:
Indeed. The only time when the FB in question is used would appear to be when steam specials are due to appear - at which point a swarm, coven, clutch (other nouns are available!) of railway enthusiasts are there with cameras etc. Yet to see anybody wandering over otherwise. Perhaps NR and OCC should split the cost? A silly thought. To do what OCC want would probably be a healthy six-figure sum - as NR are involved and the public pays it is possibly a done deal already!
Click to expand...
Perhaps OCC think that more people will use the footbridge if step-free access is provided? Increased patronage may make the 6-figure sum more worthwhile after all.
 
Wychwood93

Wychwood93

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59CosG95 said:
Perhaps OCC think that more people will use the footbridge if step-free access is provided? Increased patronage may make the 6-figure sum more worthwhile after all.
Click to expand...
My cynical self would think that OCC are looking at a win from a situation they had, possibly, not really considered paying for in the first place.
 
C

Chonner

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Wychwood93 said:
Indeed. The only time when the FB in question is used would appear to be when steam specials are due to appear - at which point a swarm, coven, clutch (other nouns are available!) of railway enthusiasts are there with cameras etc. Yet to see anybody wandering over otherwise. Perhaps NR and OCC should split the cost? A silly thought. To do what OCC want would probably be a healthy six-figure sum - as NR are involved and the public pays it is possibly a done deal already!
Click to expand...

As someone who uses it as their main walking route into Oxford City Centre, I beg to differ when it comes to it's utilisation. It is used quite extensively by local residents from South Hinksey village and those further afield from Boars Hill for going into the city centre on foot or by bicycle, as well by plenty of runners, dogs walkers and ramblers heading out of South Oxford into the surrounding countryside. A cursory estimate based my experience would be 200-300 people use it per day at least.

As to whether it is replace like for like or step-free, I am personally indifferent. It is a bit of a faff to carry my bike up the steps on the occasions I do use it as a cycling route, but not showstopping, however I can understand how it could be very difficult for the elder members of society, or those with pushchairs etc.

As an aside the Environment Agency are doing some significant work for the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme in the surrounding area, likely starting in early 2019. This will include closing or diverting the footpath leading up to the railway footbridge for a period of about 3 months, and completely replacing it with a higher quality, wider footpath with new bridges over the rivers once the flood works are complete. Could be an opportune moment to do the railway bridge as well.
 
Wychwood93

Wychwood93

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Chonner said:
As someone who uses it as their main walking route into Oxford City Centre, I beg to differ when it comes to it's utilisation. It is used quite extensively by local residents from South Hinksey village and those further afield from Boars Hill for going into the city centre on foot or by bicycle, as well by plenty of runners, dogs walkers and ramblers heading out of South Oxford into the surrounding countryside. A cursory estimate based my experience would be 200-300 people use it per day at least.

As to whether it is replace like for like or step-free, I am personally indifferent. It is a bit of a faff to carry my bike up the steps on the occasions I do use it as a cycling route, but not showstopping, however I can understand how it could be very difficult for the elder members of society, or those with pushchairs etc.

As an aside the Environment Agency are doing some significant work for the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme in the surrounding area, likely starting in early 2019. This will include closing or diverting the footpath leading up to the railway footbridge for a period of about 3 months, and completely replacing it with a higher quality, wider footpath with new bridges over the rivers once the flood works are complete. Could be an opportune moment to do the railway bridge as well.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the reply - good to have local input. Your last para. indicates a future wider footpath - perhaps a new footbridge should be both wider and incorporate both steps and step-free.
 
P

Phil G

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Not sure if work tonight in the Chippenham area, move from Swindon transfer to Chippenham then thingley to Swindon transfer in the morning.
 
P

Phil G

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Phil G said:
Not sure if work tonight in the Chippenham area, move from Swindon transfer to Chippenham then thingley to Swindon transfer in the morning.
Click to expand...
Well yes work was done, there are now catenaries and contact wires on both lines near kellaways at Sutton lane bridge. This goes about half way to the next bridge west. No ATF wires yet.
 
59CosG95

59CosG95

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In response to your comments @Phil G, I'm posting a "mini-update" for the work SW of Wootton Bassett Jct.

The "Main Line"; Wootton Bassett Jct - Chippenham (Cocklebury Lane Bridge)
Until further notice, the 25kV transmission wires will run in a trough from Cocklebury Lane Bridge (just east of Chippenham) to Thingley Jct. Large steelwork is expected to remain in situ until wiring is authorised west of Thingley, but some specific items may be poached if required elsewhere (and duplicates aren't stored at RAF Wroughton). Details given in the "Postponements" section.
  • Track lowering and drainage work at Dauntsey completed.
  • Nr Tockenham Wick, pretty much all the masts are up, TTCs, STCs and portals alike; most have SPS fitted now.
  • All masts (at first glance) appear to be up at Dauntsey Bank (87m ish), with the majority of SPS fitted. Earth wires have also reached the area; extending over both lines.
  • All earth wires are now up between Wootton Bassett Jct & Cocklebury Lane Overbridge.
  • Over Sutton Ln Bridge, Kellaways (between Christian Malford & Langley Burrell), catenary & contact wires have been erected over both lines; these extend eastwards as far as the eye can see. No ATF wires yet, but the C&C at Kellaways extends halfway along to the next bridge west.
  • Langley Burrell (east of Chippenham)
    • Most STCs here have their SPS up, folded out of the way; these masts also have ATF wire brackets fixed at the top. Again, these have now extended towards Christian Malford, and beyond towards Dauntsey Bank.
    • Some of the thicker STC masts, which have TTC-style tubular booms fitted, aren't yet dressed with SPS. The TTC "Tensorex" portals at Langley Burrell don't yet bear the Tensorex drums which will eventually go up there.
    • Works compound established at Langley Green L.C.
    • The "termination" twin-track portal west of Cocklebury Lane now carries Tensorex drums & SPS.
    • Another catenary/contact wire pair appear to be up over the Down Line as far as Langley Burrell.

Do let me know if anything about this is incorrect.
 
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Phil G

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I have taken the liberty of consolidating the Wootton Bassett to Bristol section of @59CosG95's excellent post as there was a lot of duplication and some historic information. I know a lot about Christian Malford to Bath as I live near there and travel on the train every day but my knowledge east towards Dauntsey and WB is more patchy. For what it's worth here is my version.

The "Main Line"; Wootton Bassett Jct - Chippenham (Cocklebury Lane Bridge)

Until further notice, the 25kV transmission wires will run in a trough from Cocklebury Lane Bridge (just east of Chippenham) to Thingley Jct. Large steelwork is expected to remain in situ until wiring is authorised west of Thingley, but some specific items may be poached if required elsewhere (and duplicates aren't stored at RAF Wroughton). Details given in the "Postponements" section.

Track lowering and drainage work at Dauntsey completed.

All masts are now up between Wootton Bassett Jct & Cocklebury Lane Overbridge with the majority of SPS fitted. (On the basis that earth wires are up from WB to Cocklebury lane)

All earth wires are now up between Wootton Bassett Jct & Cocklebury Lane Overbridge.

Christian Malford, catenary & contact wires have been erected over the Up Line; these extend eastwards as far as the eye can see. They have not reached Dauntsey Bank or Wootton Bassett yet, to my knowledge.

Sutton Lane Bridge at Kellaways has Catenary and Contact wires over both lines. At Chippenham Road bridge (the next bridge west) the C&C is present on the down line only and extends to Langley Burrell (east of Chippenham).

Works compound established at Langley Green L.C.

The "termination" twin-track portal west of Cocklebury Lane now carries Tensorex drums & SPS.

Chippenham (Cocklebury Lane Bridge) - Thingley Jct

No piles in Chippenham station, nor any masts affixed to the viaduct.

All piles in and majority of masts (and cantilevers) up from the western end of the viaduct to Thingley Junction (where the feeder station will be). Most TTCs have booms along the viaduct to Thingley East Junction. About 14 masts are up in the vicinity of Thingley Feeder Stn, 2 of which have TTC booms affixed. Another has an STC boom.

Piles continue westwards to the next bridge.

Thingley Jn to Keynsham

No wiring for the foreseeable future, but overbridges between Thingley and Box Tunnel have all been rebuilt. Corsham main road bridge needs parapets raising. New aquaduct and footbridge at Corsham.

Box tunnel and Middle Hill tunnel have had track lowered. A new footbridge has been built at Ashley Box. There are what I assume are trial piles west of Ashley.

Bathampton Junction to beyond Sydney Gardens has had track lowered. There is a new Signal gantry at Bathampton Junction installed Christmas ’17 but not in use yet.

Bath Spa has had platforms realigned and raised and track slewed. Track has been lowered through Oldfield Park and Keynsham. A lot of piles are in along the embankment around Saltford and Keynsham in readiness for future wiring.
 
59CosG95

59CosG95

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Phil G said:
I have taken the liberty of consolidating the Wootton Bassett to Bristol section of @59CosG95's excellent post as there was a lot of duplication and some historic information. I know a lot about Christian Malford to Bath as I live near there and travel on the train every day but my knowledge east towards Dauntsey and WB is more patchy. For what it's worth here is my version.

The "Main Line"; Wootton Bassett Jct - Chippenham (Cocklebury Lane Bridge)

Until further notice, the 25kV transmission wires will run in a trough from Cocklebury Lane Bridge (just east of Chippenham) to Thingley Jct. Large steelwork is expected to remain in situ until wiring is authorised west of Thingley, but some specific items may be poached if required elsewhere (and duplicates aren't stored at RAF Wroughton). Details given in the "Postponements" section.

Track lowering and drainage work at Dauntsey completed.

All masts are now up between Wootton Bassett Jct & Cocklebury Lane Overbridge with the majority of SPS fitted. (On the basis that earth wires are up from WB to Cocklebury lane)

All earth wires are now up between Wootton Bassett Jct & Cocklebury Lane Overbridge.

Christian Malford, catenary & contact wires have been erected over the Up Line; these extend eastwards as far as the eye can see. They have not reached Dauntsey Bank or Wootton Bassett yet, to my knowledge.

Sutton Lane Bridge at Kellaways has Catenary and Contact wires over both lines. At Chippenham Road bridge (the next bridge west) the C&C is present on the down line only and extends to Langley Burrell (east of Chippenham).

Works compound established at Langley Green L.C.

The "termination" twin-track portal west of Cocklebury Lane now carries Tensorex drums & SPS.

Chippenham (Cocklebury Lane Bridge) - Thingley Jct

No piles in Chippenham station, nor any masts affixed to the viaduct.

All piles in and majority of masts (and cantilevers) up from the western end of the viaduct to Thingley Junction (where the feeder station will be). Most TTCs have booms along the viaduct to Thingley East Junction. About 14 masts are up in the vicinity of Thingley Feeder Stn, 2 of which have TTC booms affixed. Another has an STC boom.

Piles continue westwards to the next bridge.

Thingley Jn to Keynsham

No wiring for the foreseeable future, but overbridges between Thingley and Box Tunnel have all been rebuilt. Corsham main road bridge needs parapets raising. New aquaduct and footbridge at Corsham.

Box tunnel and Middle Hill tunnel have had track lowered. A new footbridge has been built at Ashley Box. There are what I assume are trial piles west of Ashley.

Bathampton Junction to beyond Sydney Gardens has had track lowered. There is a new Signal gantry at Bathampton Junction installed Christmas ’17 but not in use yet.

Bath Spa has had platforms realigned and raised and track slewed. Track has been lowered through Oldfield Park and Keynsham. A lot of piles are in along the embankment around Saltford and Keynsham in readiness for future wiring.
Click to expand...
Thanks very much for the update @Phil G, much appreciated! Will consolidate that into the main list.
 
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Phil G

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One thing I left out is the public footbridge at Chippenham has been replaced to include lifts which was done under the access for all scheme. However I suspect that the original down line station footbridge is listed and looks very low and could be the reason for not wiring the station at this point. The more modern extension over the up line looks slightly higher and so may be ok.
 
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Jimini

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Are trains still changing from diesel to electric at Didcot / Moreton Cutting, or has that been extended further out west yet? Cheers.
 
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