New Reston Station - Progress & Updates

[ScottDarg]

A press release was put out by Network Rail Scotland this morning advising that a planning application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council for the planned station at Reston on the ECML.

Link and quoted text: https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/planning-application-for-reston-station-submitted

Planning application for Reston station submitted​

Region & Route: Scotland’s Railway: Scotland
Network Rail Scotland’s proposal for a new train station at Reston in the Scottish Borders has taken a major step forward.

An application for the new station has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council’s planning team for consideration.

The application is for a two-platform station, an initial 70 car parking spaces with sufficient land purchased for a further 40, a new access road, fully accessible lifts and a platform connecting footbridge.

Local residents, and other interested parties, recently had the opportunity to speak directly with the station project team, on a specially developed online consultation platform, ensuring that social distancing requirements didn’t hamper their opportunity to learn more about the project.

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity said: “The Scottish Government is committed to improving the economic well-being of communities, encouraging the choice of sustainable transport and providing good quality employment opportunities across Scotland as we plan for our post-Covid recovery. That is why we have committed funding for this scheme which has real potential to deliver a number of benefits for the communities it would serve.

“I welcome the submission of this planning application which acts as a key milestone in the delivery process and enables us to progress our aspirations for the new station to the next stage.”

Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland’s Railway, said: “We are working hard to improve rail links for communities across Scotland and this station will help open up opportunities for new passengers on our network.

“The local community has been campaigning for a new train station at Reston for many years and we are pleased that we have been able to work with local and central government to develop plans for this new facility.

“We now look forward to hearing people’s thoughts on the proposals and working with them to make this new station a reality.”

You can find out more about the Reston station proposal by visiting scotlandsrailway.com/projects

Further information on the Scotlands Railway project hub - including a video render: https://scotlandsrailway.com/projects/reston-station

Link to the planning application: https://eplanning.scotborders.gov.u...ils.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=QH797ENTIP100

NOTE: This was released at the same time as the East Linton station press release, however I have created 2 separate threads as they're 2 different projects. The East Linton thread is here: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/new-east-linton-station-progress-updates.212305/

 

[Kingston Dan]

Thanks - does this impact on the former Reston station site - I think there is currently sidings and/or a passing loop? Would it have passive provision for a future passing loop/four tracking?

 

[mcmad]

Different location (further south) from the former station. The sidings were lifted a decade or more ago but the OLE arrangements (TSC?) at the old station site made it awkward to site it there in addition to the access being tight.

 

[59CosG95]

Different location (further south) from the former station. The sidings were lifted a decade or more ago but the OLE arrangements (TSC?) at the old station site made it awkward to site it there in addition to the access being tight.

Yep, Reston TSC. Also has a Neutral Section (due to the sorely lacking power supply) so is in effect an MPTSC - AFAIK neutral sections aren't allowed to be next to stations lest a train stops in one and tries to draw power.

 

[yorkie]

This thread is for updates regarding Reston station.

I have moved some posts to the following thread: https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...s-reston-going-to-be-a-white-elephant.212524/ where people are more than welcome to discuss whether the station is going to be a white elephant or not, how the ECML timetable could be altered to cater for additional calls, which operator should call there, and more!

Thanks

 

[Baxenden Bank]

Planning Application to Scottish Borders Council recommended for approval on 1 February 2021.

 

[railjock]

Reston station return recommended after more than 50 years https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-55886743

Plans to open a railway station in a Borders village which last saw passenger services more than 50 years ago have been given the go-ahead.
Network Rail wants to build the two-platform structure with 70 parking spaces at Reston in Berwickshire.

 

[hexagon789]

Reston station return recommended after more than 50 years https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-55886743

The best of luck to them but hopefully it will prove worthwhile and not another white elephant designed merely to placate local interests

 

[D6130]

The best of luck to them but hopefully it will prove worthwhile and not another white elephant designed merely to placate local interests

Although Reston itself is quite a small village, the new station will act as a "Parkway" type station for the nearby towns of Duns and Eyemouth (both of which were formerly served by branches off the ECML), plus the larger villages of Ayton, Chirnside and Coldingham.

 

[hexagon789]

Although Reston itself is quite a small village, the new station will act as a "Parkway" type station for the nearby towns of Duns and Eyemouth (both of which were formerly served by branches off the ECML), plus the larger villages of Ayton, Chirnside and Coldingham.

I don't intend to belittle this project and I was aware of the basis for Reston being as much for Reston as a sort of 'park and ride' for the surrounding area but more I was expressing my hope that it won't prove to be underutilised

 

[ABB125]

Having looked at the images in the BBC article: why are there lifts and a footbridge over the track?
According to this picture

There is an underpass (circled). Surely it would be much cheaper to simply have ramps along the embankment, with the underpass used to reach the other side?

 

[gimmea50anyday]

Power supply needs to be upgraded at Marshall meadows before additional services can be introduced. That’s one of many reasons why the scotrail service terminates at Dunbar and TPE are diesel powered.

An Edinburgh newcastle stopper would have a market, and Reston and east Linton help justify it as well as increasing services from chathill onwards. Problem is track capacity and little if any opportunity for stoppers to be passed by Express LNER TPE and XC services. Those few loops already in place are usually occupied by freight when the 3 intercity services pass

 

[InOban]

https://twitter.com/MathesonMichael/status/1356253054228713472?s=19

The local MSP seems to under the delusion that it will be open by the end of this year! I don't think that funds are committed are they?

 

[Halish Railway]

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/642443/response/1518531/attach/2/ECML%202021%20ESG%20SX%20ITSS%201.1.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1

This planning document, specifically the bottom of the last page makes for some interesting reading. For some strange reason I don’t think that one of the options for a half-hourly Edinburgh to Berwick service will come to fruition.

 

[AMD]

There is an underpass (circled). Surely it would be much cheaper to simply have ramps along the embankment, with the underpass used to reach the other side?

In the report that can be found in the planning application, it talks about Network Rail having looked at this but discounted it on two counts -
> The increase in pedestrian traffic which could come into conflict with farm traffic.
> The ramps required would be very long to meet the required gradient.

 

[ABB125]

In the report that can be found in the planning application, it talks about Network Rail having looked at this but discounted it on two counts -
> The increase in pedestrian traffic which could come into conflict with farm traffic.
> The ramps required would be very long to meet the required gradient.

Apart from cost and the time taken to use the ramp(s), is ramp length an issue though? One of my local stations is only accessible by ramps to the second platform.

 

[AMD]

Apart from cost and the time taken to use the ramp(s), is ramp length an issue though? One of my local stations is only accessible by ramps to the second platform.

Yes it is, have a browse from page 150 - https://assets.publishing.service.g...8425/design-standards-accessible-stations.pdf
Stations that have been around before the standards were written will have grandfather rights which will allow steep ramps to remain, however new stations have to meet the standard.

 

[ABB125]

Yes it is, have a browse from page 150 - https://assets.publishing.service.g...8425/design-standards-accessible-stations.pdf
Stations that have been around before the standards were written will have grandfather rights which will allow steep ramps to remain, however new stations have to meet the standard.

Would I be right in thinking that this bit:

If a series of ramp flights rise more than 2 metres, an alternative means of access, such as a lift, should be provided.

Effectively prevents ramps from being used to link platforms with a footbridge/underpass, since there would have to be more than 2m clearance above/below thee line? Or have I mis-interpreted it?

 

[Baxenden Bank]

https://twitter.com/MathesonMichael/status/1356253054228713472?s=19

The local MSP seems to under the delusion that it will be open by the end of this year! I don't think that funds are committed are they?

The following website has the date as late 2021. I guess the MSP assumes the information to be up to date and accurate! I expect the nearly 11 months available is doable, if you went full tilt and had everything in place re signed construction contracts etc.

Scotland's railway - Reston Station

 

[InOban]

https://twitter.com/NetworkRailSCOT/status/1374816376699957248?s=19

Work has begun on the new £20million station for Reston in the Borders. The first stage of construction will last until June and involves creating embankments, installing drainage & piling work to accommodate equipment for signalling and power supply

They've started work on site at Reston. Must be an election soon.

 

[hexagon789]

https://twitter.com/NetworkRailSCOT/status/1374816376699957248?s=19

They've started work on site at Reston. Must be an election soon.

Hardly likely to have a huge bearing on the result is wouldn't have thought tbh

 

[92002]

The latest Network Rail press release

Reston Station construction is underway - Network Rail

Work is now underway to build the new Reston station in the Scottish Borders.

www.networkrail.co.uk

Work is now underway to build the new Reston station in the Scottish Borders.

Following successful completion of preparatory work, primarily diverting an existing water main, the team on site have now started work to create the embankments for the new station platforms.

It is the first phase of construction activity which will see a station open in the Borders village of Reston for the first time in more than half a century.

The plans for Reston will see the construction of a two-platform station on the East Coast mainline, with 70 car parking spaces and a new access road to the station. The station itself will be fully accessible with lifts and a footbridge connecting both platforms.

Work from now until the end of June will see the creation of embankments for, and the start of construction work on the new platforms, drainage built on the new access road and pilling to support the installation of new signalling and overhead line equipment.

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity said:

“It is fantastic to see work to build the new station at Reston getting underway. It is another step towards creating new travel opportunities for Reston and the surrounding Borders area.

“The Scottish Government is committed to delivering this scheme, estimated around £20 million, which will have real potential to deliver a number of benefits for the local communities and also help towards our green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway said:

“It is great to see work on Reston station getting underway as we are committed to working alongside the Scottish Government to open up our railway to as many communities as possible across Scotland.

“This station will create new social and economic opportunities for people in Reston and the surrounding communities and we will work hard to deliver the new facility for the area as quickly as possible.

“It is an exciting development that has the potential to transform life for local people and the communities it will serve."

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Infrastructure, Transport and Travel, said:

“The Council has provided over £2.3m towards the cost of this project, which will deliver significant benefits to the Berwickshire community, providing easy local access to the east coast mainline services which will in turn make this area more attractive for inward investment and housing growth, which will both support local communities and the economy.

“I look forward to seeing the works progress rapidly.”

Network Rail is encouraging anyone with any questions about the project to email [email protected] or call our 24-hr helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

 

[Baxenden Bank]

The latest Network Rail press release

Work is now underway to build the new Reston station in the Scottish Borders.

Following successful completion of preparatory work, primarily diverting an existing water main, the team on site have now started work to create the embankments for the new station platforms.

It is the first phase of construction activity which will see a station open in the Borders village of Reston for the first time in more than half a century.

The plans for Reston will see the construction of a two-platform station on the East Coast mainline, with 70 car parking spaces and a new access road to the station. The station itself will be fully accessible with lifts and a footbridge connecting both platforms.

Work from now until the end of June will see the creation of embankments for, and the start of construction work on the new platforms, drainage built on the new access road and pilling to support the installation of new signalling and overhead line equipment.

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity said:

“It is fantastic to see work to build the new station at Reston getting underway. It is another step towards creating new travel opportunities for Reston and the surrounding Borders area.

“The Scottish Government is committed to delivering this scheme, estimated around £20 million, which will have real potential to deliver a number of benefits for the local communities and also help towards our green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway said:

“It is great to see work on Reston station getting underway as we are committed to working alongside the Scottish Government to open up our railway to as many communities as possible across Scotland.

“This station will create new social and economic opportunities for people in Reston and the surrounding communities and we will work hard to deliver the new facility for the area as quickly as possible.

“It is an exciting development that has the potential to transform life for local people and the communities it will serve."

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Infrastructure, Transport and Travel, said:

“The Council has provided over £2.3m towards the cost of this project, which will deliver significant benefits to the Berwickshire community, providing easy local access to the east coast mainline services which will in turn make this area more attractive for inward investment and housing growth, which will both support local communities and the economy.

“I look forward to seeing the works progress rapidly.”

Network Rail is encouraging anyone with any questions about the project to email [email protected] or call our 24-hr helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

At no point do they mention when they expect the station to open, or give details of likely services, which you would think they would whilst promoting interest in the project through a press release.

 

[slipdigby]

Anyone had sight of the likely capital costs/usage of Reston? Can't find a business case summary anywhere....

 

[gimmea50anyday]

nope, and given that they are talking about axing the TPE service completely in favour of an additional LNER path I dont think they even have any trains to stop there now. There are however some ECS moves that may be put in to passenger service to include a stop at Reston....

 

[swt_passenger]

nope, and given that they are talking about axing the TPE service completely in favour of an additional LNER path I dont think they even have any trains to stop there now. There are however some ECS moves that may be put in to passenger service to include a stop at Reston....

The LNER and XC consultations both describe how Reston is intended to be served, not regular, but it’s definitely not zero. Probably best to use the existing ECML discussion though:

Various consultations on the May 2022 East Coast Mainline timetable

Darlington appears to be one of the stations missing out, as the fastest LNER services are reverting back to missing out Darlington (currently only one LNER train per day doesn’t call, and Darlington’s fastest trains to London only call at York), so many journey times to London are increasing. I...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[och aye]

Construction photo from Network Rail:

https://twitter.com/NetworkRailSCOT/status/1406199075901345796/photo/1

 

[och aye]

Video of progress made so far:

John Lamont MP visits Reston station site

As work continues to create the £20m Reston station, John Lamont, Member of Parliament (MP) for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk visited site to see first-hand the progress that has been made.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

https://embed-fastly.wistia.com/deliveries/a8665a076776f8601600c356c54577b6804ed0e6.mp4

 

[DunsBus]

Video of progress made so far:

John Lamont MP visits Reston station site

As work continues to create the £20m Reston station, John Lamont, Member of Parliament (MP) for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk visited site to see first-hand the progress that has been made.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

https://embed-fastly.wistia.com/deliveries/a8665a076776f8601600c356c54577b6804ed0e6.mp4

I see our my local MP - a Tory - features in the article and in the photos. This seems to be a common trait amongst Tory MPs: anything which has the slightest chance of cameras being there and they'll turn up for it.

 

[swt_passenger]

I see our my local MP - a Tory - features in the article and in the photos. This seems to be a common trait amongst Tory MPs: anything which has the slightest chance of cameras being there and they'll turn up for it.

Yeah, Labour MPs hardly ever appear in front of cameras…