New station: Wixams, Bedfordshire. How many platforms and what should the service be like?

[TheHSRailFan]

Well, the Government and Universal have come to an agreement to build the park (Thumbs up approval from no10).

Universal theme park for Bedfordshire confirmed by Starmer

The company says the new site is expected to create 28,000 jobs and generate £50bn for the economy.

www.bbc.co.uk

New Universal theme park confirmed for UK

A new Universal theme park will be built in the UK, the government has confirmed.
It will be constructed on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks near Bedford and is expected to generate 28,000 jobs before it opens in 2031.

From what I gather it's back to the drawing board for Wixams construction now that they have to think about parkgoers?

 

[John R]

It will make a big difference to Thameslink traffic too, with lots more people travelling almost to the end of the line. And will similarly mean some careful thought will be needed to capacity on the EWR line when planning for the Bedford extension. It’s not only customers of the theme park, but employees too, who will use rail to access the park.

 

[D365]

From what I gather it's back to the drawing board for Wixams construction now that they have to think about parkgoers?

From my previous reading of the new station project, I highly doubt that construction efforts will be suspended now. Better to get a station opened, rather than breaking out of contracts (expensive) or risk Wixams not opening at all.

 

[telstarbox]

It doesn't have planning permission yet.

 

[hwl]

Well, the Government and Universal have come to an agreement to build the park (Thumbs up approval from no10).

Universal theme park for Bedfordshire confirmed by Starmer

The company says the new site is expected to create 28,000 jobs and generate £50bn for the economy.

www.bbc.co.uk

From what I gather it's back to the drawing board for Wixams construction now that they have to think about parkgoers?

From my previous reading of the new station project, I highly doubt that construction efforts will be suspended now. Better to get a station opened, rather than breaking out of contracts (expensive) or risk Wixams not opening at all.

There effectively won't be any difference on what happens on the up slow track and platform and the station building to the east of the tracks. What happens further west e.g the down slow platform will change (e.g. down slow slewed and platform on the other side to act as joint down slow and up fast platform, hence the potential contract split discussed above in post 101 to keep going on the former (earlier stage) and hold on the latter (only starting when the up slow slew had been completed). There is plenty to be productively getting on with the key bit is not to do anything on the down platform as that will have to change.

There will also need to be a second entrance on the west for Universal and a down fast line platform.

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

I’m surprised no one has commented that theme parks are clearly a valuable source of private investment into the rail industry. Maybe this is a way to fund HS2 Euston?

(The connection into the Underground station would be more fun as a log flume )

 

[Magdalia]

The BBC report also says this:

Universal said it would make upgrades to the Wixams railway station and build a new station on the East West Rail line near the resort.

The interview with Lisa Nandy (Culture Media and Sport minister) on Radio 4 this morning also mentioned discussions between Universal and the government on transport infrastructure.

 

[BranstonJnc]

Fingers crossed:
- Bedford station rebuild, fast line platforms for Intercity traffic, more Thameslink / East West through platforms, improved layout and built ready for the East West extension towards Cambridge.
- All Intercity trains call at Bedford, to allow everyone to move onto EWR and Thameslink to Wixams.
- Wixams served by Thameslink, but with the Luton services extended so there's more trains up to Bedford and Wixams.
- Kempston Hardwick turned into a theme park station, on EWR.
- EWR wiring confirmed, from Didcot up to Oxford, and across to Bedford.
- Two fast trains per hour from Oxford to Bedford, stopping at the Universal theme park.
- One stopping train per hour from Bletchley.
- Moves for an hourly Aylesbury - Milton Keynes service, as Aylesbury will need to be connected to Winslow for people to then continue towards Universal or Bedford.

 

[DarloRich]

It doesn't have planning permission yet.

i doubt it will be knocked back!

 

[Class 170101]

Fingers crossed:
- Bedford station rebuild, fast line platforms for Intercity traffic, more Thameslink / East West through platforms, improved layout and built ready for the East West extension towards Cambridge.
- All Intercity trains call at Bedford, to allow everyone to move onto EWR and Thameslink to Wixams.
- Wixams served by Thameslink, but with the Luton services extended so there's more trains up to Bedford and Wixams.
- Kempston Hardwick turned into a theme park station, on EWR.
- EWR wiring confirmed, from Didcot up to Oxford, and across to Bedford.
- Two fast trains per hour from Oxford to Bedford, stopping at the Universal theme park.
- One stopping train per hour from Bletchley.
- Moves for an hourly Aylesbury - Milton Keynes service, as Aylesbury will need to be connected to Winslow for people to then continue towards Universal or Bedford.

How about the MML Class 360s getting uprated for 110mph (or get the 350/2s) calling at St Pancras, Luton Airport, Luton, Wixams, Bedford and then all stations to Corby?

 

[BranstonJnc]

How about the MML Class 360s getting uprated for 110mph (or get the 350/2s) calling at St Pancras, Luton Airport, Luton, Wixams, Bedford and then all stations to Corby?

Wixams is being opened with two platforms, slow line only.

Anyone coming from 'down south' will just get on Thameslink - nobody is getting the Airport Express to Luton to then drop onto a 700. It only matters about stuff from 'up north'. The slow lines won't cope with Thameslink, freight and then some 360s, so forget that. Focus on a very large, well-done Bedford station as a staging point for Oxford / Bicester / Bletchley / London / Corby / Leicester / Sheffield / Nottingham / Cambridge and then have the frequency to Wixams with those oversized 12 car Thameslink units for the last 3 or 4 minutes.

As Kempston Hardwick / Stewartby will be rebuilt, and not as an interchange, it will make the need for Bedford to be redone even more important, and it may even allow more services to run north at peak times for Thameslink, rather than terminating at St Albans or Luton.

 

[D365]

How about the MML Class 360s getting uprated for 110mph (or get the 350/2s) calling at St Pancras, Luton Airport, Luton, Wixams, Bedford and then all stations to Corby?

The Class 360s have been modified for 110mph.

 

[Class 170101]

Wixams is being opened with two platforms, slow line only.

Correct but with the new Universal Theme Park it is expected to increase to four platforms

Anyone coming from 'down south' will just get on Thameslink - nobody is getting the Airport Express to Luton to then drop onto a 700. It only matters about stuff from 'up north'. The slow lines won't cope with Thameslink, freight and then some 360s, so forget that.

No, I'm suggesting that 360s operating at 110mph should be able to call at Wixams as a four platform station for the Theme Park on the fast Lines. Not everyone will becoming through Thameslink core to get there.

The Class 360s have been modified for 110mph.

Interesting, when was this? I thought they were still only rated for 100mph.

 

[Edvid]

Interesting, when was this? I thought they were still only rated for 100mph.

They were modified in time for their May 2021 introduction.

They're still limited to 100mph by the original OLE between Bedford and London, but only for another few months.

 

[edwin_m]

Whether the Class 360s stop or not, it's likely Universal will want platforms on the Fasts. This will allow some service to call there during later evenings and Sundays when the Slows might be closed but the theme park may still be operating.

 

[telstarbox]

i doubt it will be knocked back!

Agreed it's likely now, but like the Lower Thames Crossing it either needs a national gov DCO or local authority planning permission.

 

[cle]

As Kempston Hardwick / Stewartby will be rebuilt, and not as an interchange, it will make the need for Bedford to be redone even more important, and it may even allow more services to run north at peak times for Thameslink, rather than terminating at St Albans or Luton.

i believe it will have 3 platforms and be designed to turn services from Cambridge - although of course before then - and if it is a symmetrical trackwork - it could also turn extras from the west, although you'd want to get to Bedford.

Whether the Class 360s stop or not, it's likely Universal will want platforms on the Fasts. This will allow some service to call there during later evenings and Sundays when the Slows might be closed but the theme park may still be operating.

I expect that there will be a fair bit of evening activity - later rides, dinners / shows, fireworks type stuff. Universal in Florida has bars and so on - maybe we'll get our own Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville! Plus workers ending their days... so it'll definitely add a lot of usage into the evenings.

 

[Edvid]

Agreed it's likely now, but like the Lower Thames Crossing it either needs a national gov DCO or local authority planning permission.

Not a DCO, but another national-level order; a Special Development Order, to be precise. I previously thought a submission would follow shortly after this week's investment decision but it's still several months away by the sound of things.

As per the Centre for Policy Studies:

Another tool of the national government is the special development order (SDO). SDOs were introduced in the 1970s and have occasionally been used successfully since, such as in the Cardiff Bay area in the 1990s. SDOs allow specified development in a given area. They do not require primary legislation or an affirmative vote in Parliament, being subject only to the negative affirmation procedure. SDOs can be prepared within a year by outsourcing much of the work.

 

[Energy]

Not a DCO, but another national-level order; a Special Development Order, to be precise. I previously thought a submission would follow shortly after this week's investment decision but it's still several months away by the sound of things.

As per the Centre for Policy Studies:

Correct. Universal has already prepared a draft SDO, and the full SDO submission should be soon. Universal has made the announcement now since they are starting to erect fencing and machinery (e.g. excavators) has begun to turn up on site. It was already obvious that it was going ahead and would only be so long until mainstream news noticed, then they'd lose their grand announcement.

Whether the Class 360s stop or not, it's likely Universal will want platforms on the Fasts. This will allow some service to call there during later evenings and Sundays when the Slows might be closed but the theme park may still be operating.

Wixams is being opened with two platforms, slow line only

Wixams is currently being built with two platforms but its been made clear previously that 4 platforms is wanted, and EMR have shown strong interest in stopping the class 360s there.

 

[stadler]

Correct. Universal has already prepared a draft SDO, and the full SDO submission should be soon. Universal has made the announcement now since they are starting to erect fencing and machinery (e.g. excavators) has begun to turn up on site. It was already obvious that it was going ahead and would only be so long until mainstream news noticed, then they'd lose their grand announcement.


Wixams is currently being built with two platforms but its been made clear previously that 4 platforms is wanted, and EMR have shown strong interest in stopping the class 360s there.

Building it as two platforms is a massive mistake. This means that during engineering work there will be times when the station is the only station on the line that is not served. This means money will have to be spent on rail replacement buses that would otherwise be unnecessary. It is quite common for them to close two lines but keep the other two lines open. Considering that every other station on the line has four platforms you would think that they would have the common sense to build this one as a four platform station too. This is a bonkers decision.

 

[John R]

Building it as two platforms is a massive mistake. This means that during engineering work there will be times when the station is the only station on the line that is not served. This means money will have to be spent on rail replacement buses that would otherwise be unnecessary. It is quite common for them to close two lines but keep the other two lines open. Considering that every other station on the line has four platforms you would think that they would have the common sense to build this one as a four platform station too. This is a bonkers decision.

Bedford Council, which is sponsoring the station, has made it clear that late night services will not serve the station precisely to avoid it footing the bill for replacement bus services.

Set aside the Universal aspect, which is outside the current funding package, it’s not difficult to see why they would resist the temptation to not far short of doubling the cost of the station to enable late night services to call.

So not a bonkers decision when you are paying for the station.

 

[stadler]

Bedford Council, which is sponsoring the station, has made it clear that late night services will not serve the station precisely to avoid it footing the bill for replacement bus services.

Set aside the Universal aspect, which is outside the current funding package, it’s not difficult to see why they would resist the temptation to not far short of doubling the cost of the station to enable late night services to call.

So not a bonkers decision when you are paying for the station.

When you are building an entire brand new station then the cost of two extra platforms is not going to be that much more. Sure it will cost extra but not much when you consider the total cost of building a station it is not that significant. Also if the new station at Wixams is using two side platforms (i am not sure if it is) then it will be even cheaper as they basically just need to build one new platform as the island is basically already there but just without a platform face planned on one side of the centre island.

Also there has been occasions on weekends when engineering work has closed two lines all day. Sure it does most commonly happen overnight but i have known it to happen at weekends too. So they will need rail replacement buses then. Then sometimes during disruption (or various other issues with the line) trains can occasionally get moved from the slow lines to fast lines but still call at all stations. But now these trains will have to skip out this station. So there are plenty of scenarios where it will cause inconvenience and will require rail replacement buses. It is also rather poor that it will be the only station between London and Bedford without an overnight service. I imagine the passengers will be unhappy with this.

Spending the extra money on two extra platforms is a worthwhile investment! Before long they will probably end up regretting not building it as four platforms!

Does anyone know what platform layout that Wixams is planned to have? Is it going to have the two platforms as an island or as two separate side platforms?

 

[baz962]

Correct but with the new Universal Theme Park it is expected to increase to four platforms


No, I'm suggesting that 360s operating at 110mph should be able to call at Wixams as a four platform station for the Theme Park on the fast Lines. Not everyone will becoming through Thameslink core to get there.


Interesting, when was this? I thought they were still only rated for 100mph.

It's the overhead wires that needed upgrading. 360's already uprated as others have alluded to and currently run 110 between Bedford and Wellingborough .

 

[Zomboid]

I'm sure Wixhams will be built as 4 platforms, but right now there's probably some back room politics going on about who's going to pay the extra and how that'll be shared out.

I'd expect fast trains to call at weekends and possibly around opening and closing time during busy periods for the park, but for most of the day M-F (when people are queuing for attractions and buying £20 burgers) the thameslink service will suffice. Between that and EWR there will be plenty of services between Bedford and Wixhams/ Stewartby.

What happens at Bedford will probably depend on how the EWR towards Cambridge work proceeds.

I don't think it'll be related to the park, but surely Didcot to Bletchley will be electrified in due course too. Whether the battery trains will need more wires than that and where will depend on what else gets wires. Bedford to Cambridge should at the very least be built with the right clearances.

 

[Andyjs247]

Does anyone know what platform layout that Wixams is planned to have? Is it going to have the two platforms as an island or as two separate side platforms?

Wixams is getting two side platforms but like Denham, both will face the same way. Only the Up Slow gets slewed.

The layout of the down platform may need to change.

 

[BranstonJnc]

I will bet the house on Wixams not getting EMR services. Besides, EMR will not want to decelerate Corby services unduly, just to fill their trains with some parkgoers. The key thing will be for Bedford to be the next Peterborough - lots of services, and connections everywhere. When EWR opens, at least with Oxford - Bedford, if Bedford station has dedicated fast line platforms then it will be possible for all EMR trains to call. Thameslink can pick up the slack for the last couple of miles, and then by the time the train gets to Wixams, unloads, as it continues into London the seats are free again.

 

[pitdiver]

One of the points raised on local radio was " will the theme park be open 365 days per year" I wonder how the railways will react to that. But not only the railways but the locals in the area.

 

[BranstonJnc]

One of the points raised on local radio was " will the theme park be open 365 days per year" I wonder how the railways will react to that. But not only the railways but the locals in the area.

Very few theme parks open all year round. In any event, if you take a theme park like Thorpe Park, car is still the favourite form of transport. If you take the EWR angle, then do Thameslink, it is unlikely that the services will be overwhelmed. Add to that, people travelling out of London at peak time for opening, and returning back probably after evening peak has hit its apex, so both are contraflow. And, you're doing all of this on giant, 12 car 700s, with lots of standing room, so it's not going to cause any real adverse effects.

 

[Zomboid]

Very few theme parks open all year round. In any event, if you take a theme park like Thorpe Park, car is still the favourite form of transport. If you take the EWR angle, then do Thameslink, it is unlikely that the services will be overwhelmed. Add to that, people travelling out of London at peak time for opening, and returning back probably after evening peak has hit its apex, so both are contraflow. And, you're doing all of this on giant, 12 car 700s, with lots of standing room, so it's not going to cause any real adverse effects.

Disneyland and the like are open all year round, and that's the level that this is aiming for.
It was pretty quiet when I went to Disneyland Paris in January, but it was open.

 

[edwin_m]

When you are building an entire brand new station then the cost of two extra platforms is not going to be that much more. Sure it will cost extra but not much when you consider the total cost of building a station it is not that significant. Also if the new station at Wixams is using two side platforms (i am not sure if it is) then it will be even cheaper as they basically just need to build one new platform as the island is basically already there but just without a platform face planned on one side of the centre island.

Unlikely to be so in this case.

An island platform has to be wider than a side platform between tracks and the current design is driven by minimising the width of the platform between the tracks (the single-sided Down Slow platform) and therefore the length of the diversion of the Up Slow and all the works that go with it. An approximate mirror image of the current design on the Fast side would involve diverting the Down Fast, but because this is higher speed and the curvature is less favourable it would be a considerably longer diversion. Also the signalling cables and equipment cabinets are on the Down side and would need to be moved.

Probably if we were starting from scratch with a four-platform station, both Slows would be diverted further east to make room for a centre platform, leaving the Fasts where they are. This may not now be possible due to occupation of the land they would need to move onto.

There would indeed have been some saving if all this had been done in one hit, as only one set of contractors would have been mobilised and some of the OLE work for example would be done once instead of twice. But I don't think it can be said that two more platforms would be a minor addition to the cost.

I will bet the house on Wixams not getting EMR services. Besides, EMR will not want to decelerate Corby services unduly, just to fill their trains with some parkgoers.

Bear in mind that the Corby service is tightly timed to leave St Pancras just behind a northbound longer-distance train and ahead of the next one at Kettering where it also makes connections. An extra stop would probably break this timetable, even with the time saving from 110mph running when the OLE works are finished. I think a Wixams stop would require either the deletion of one of the other stops on the Corby service, or a total re-cast of the EMR timetable with possible disadvantage to other journeys that now rely on those connections.