RichmondCommu
Established Member
Hi, can anyone tell me why the viaduct still only has a single line over it?
Many thanks,
Richmond Commuter
Many thanks,
Richmond Commuter
It's to do with reducing the load on the structure itself and was done to save on maintenance costs for the line. Don't forget, it was work required to the viaduct and its associated cost that almost led to the closure of the line.Hi, can anyone tell me why the viaduct still only has a single line over it?
Many thanks,
Richmond Commuter
network rail have already stated, during the recent improvement works ( i.e. adding IBS singnals ) that the section of single track from Ribblehead to Blea Moor is so short, that it does not consititute a capacity restriction.
So I do not think that the track we be re-doubled for a long time yet, if ever.
If it really got tight, then the section from the north end of the viaduct to Blea Moor could be re-doubled faily quickly and presumably cheaply, since the single line is on one side of the formation and there is only one set of points to be moved.
Intermediate block signal. Don't search for IBS signals on Google, that is something else!
As for the bottleneck at Ribblehead, there always seems to be a large gap in between trains running over the viaduct so I don't see how there can be a bottleneck? This includes freight workings and normal passenger stock.
I think i'd read somewhere that there was a desire to increase the number of passenger services over the line but capacity constraints were preventing this.
While we're on the subject Ribblehead to Dent over the top of Blea Moor and return by train is highly recommended!
I suspect the structure is fully capable of supporting two tracks. In the unlikely even of that not being so, why not have two tracks, but signalled to ensure that only one train at a time is on the viaduct. This would still mean the occasional delay, but not as much as both directions having to be switched to use the same physical rails.
and a similar restriction applies to the Forth Bridge, which is particularly applicable to the structural concerns rasied by Nym. Regulations allow two passenger trains to cross the Forth Bridge (in opposite directions of course) but freight must only cross while no other traffic is on the bridge (and must cross at lower speed).This is done on the Tay Bridge . . . .
and a similar restriction applies to the Forth Bridge, which is particularly applicable to the structural concerns rasied by Nym. Regulations allow two passenger trains to cross the Forth Bridge (in opposite directions of course) but freight must only cross while no other traffic is on the bridge (and must cross at lower speed).
That sort of restriction seems to provide the capacity of dual line working while applying only those restrictions which are necessary to minimise structural stresses.
But to return to the general discussions of capacity on the S&C, I agree with others that the single track of over the R. viaduct does not limit the line's overall capacity.
This is done on the Tay Bridge - two trains are not permitted in the High Girders at the same time, I believe.
If I'm not mistaken, the restriction's quite specific - there was some discussion on the Simsig forum of the exact details, but I don't think a freight is prevented from passing a passenger train on the bridge.Ive been on a passenger train and passed freight on the forth bridge. 66s and HAAs loaded and unloaded IIRC. 50mph for Passengers and 20mph for freight i think. Also the Fuel Oil train to Leuchars has passed me on the bridge.
It's certainly not got running water; I believe it's currently delivered by the unit working ECS to form the first Up service from Ribblehead (which has to go to Blea Moor to reverse anyway).Is it true that Blea Moor box is the last Box in the UK not to have running water and it still gets it delivered by trains that work over the line??
If I'm not mistaken, the restriction's quite specific - there was some discussion on the Simsig forum of the exact details, but I don't think a freight is prevented from passing a passenger train on the bridge.
It's certainly not got running water; I believe it's currently delivered by the unit working ECS to form the first Up service from Ribblehead (which has to go to Blea Moor to reverse anyway).
2011 and no running water. Makes you wonder eh?
2011 and no running water. Makes you wonder eh?