Hertford East Branch Platform Extension Updates

[BS56]

During August work will get underway on replacing the road over bridge at Broxbourne station. But only two spans are being renewed so I understand the third over the mill stream is to stay for now . As this is just as old as the others it will need to be renewed in the near future . Perhaps they are deciding what to do about the steep approach roads ( Of which there are three one has been disused for decades.).

 

[TheHSRailFan]

According to Middleton Press, Ware is single track due to the New River Company refusing to sell the land. Which is true ? No idea.

The branch opened as single track. 'Something' prevented Ware from being doubled. Could be somebody worked out they could get by without. Maybe the answer is in a dusty archive somewhere.

Ware Museum actually explains it on a small board. If I recall it was because of TNRC but I would have to check.

 

[Engeeaitch]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone could explain why we need a platform extension at Hertford? I assume that the new trains can keep the doors at the far end of the train closed and passengers can walk down the train to get to the exit. The station is never that busy and as it's a terminus there isn't a rush to get passengers on and off.

 

[jon0844]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone could explain why we need a platform extension at Hertford? I assume that the new trains can keep the doors at the far end of the train closed and passengers can walk down the train to get to the exit. The station is never that busy and as it's a terminus there isn't a rush to get passengers on and off.

Most people don't walk down, so SDO should not be a standard thing at busy stations (which I'd say Hertford East is during the peaks). At WGC, which isn't a terminus for the 12 car trains passing through, trains are sometimes delayed as people rush forward four coaches to alight. When 12 cars stop at Hatfield for an event, nobody moves more than about half a coach down, making the extra capacity near useless.

 

[Magdalia]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone could explain why we need a platform extension at Hertford? I assume that the new trains can keep the doors at the far end of the train closed and passengers can walk down the train to get to the exit. The station is never that busy and as it's a terminus there isn't a rush to get passengers on and off.

Most people don't walk down, so SDO should not be a standard thing at busy stations (which I'd say Hertford East is during the peaks). At WGC, which isn't a terminus for the 12 car trains passing through, trains are sometimes delayed as people rush forward four coaches to alight. When 12 cars stop at Hatfield for an event, nobody moves more than about half a coach down, making the extra capacity near useless.

The issue is not the length of the platform, it is the position of the signals and the track circuits.

At Hertford East the signals are at the ends of the platforms so longer trains foul the signalling and the track circuits. Extending the platform is trivial compared to the signalling work.

At Welwyn Garden City the platforms are only 8 cars long and have signals at both ends. 12 car trains cannot stop there, even with SDO, because they foul the signalling and the track circuits. Welwyn Garden City is the main constraint that keeps RLUs on the Kings Cross-Cambridge stoppers.

 

[jon0844]

There are 12 car trains stopping at WGC in both directions every single weekday, and Hatfield for special events (like Slam Dunk). Not sure who told you they can't.

 

[Magdalia]

There are 12 car trains stopping at WGC in both directions every single weekday, and Hatfield for special events (like Slam Dunk). Not sure who told you they can't.

Which trains please? As far as I'm aware all trains booked to call at WGC are RLU class 700s or class 717s.

 

[jon0844]

Which trains please? As far as I'm aware all trains booked to call at WGC are RLU class 700s or class 717s.

9J01 and 9W90.

 

[Magdalia]

9J01 and 9W90.

Thanks. I can find 9J01, which is 0419 PBO-HRH. My recollection of WGC is that SDO with 12 cars might be ok in platform 2. I had forgotten that there was no shunt signal at country end of platform 2, like there is in platform 1.

And I've now found 9W90 which is 2341 HRH-PBO on Saturday night, calling WGC at 0113 on Sunday morning. I didn't know that 9Ws were a thing. I'm wondering if some special arrangement is made to facilitate that? It would be fouling the signalling and track circuits for KX602 signal. It is something that I doubt would be feasible except in the middle of the night.

 

[Class 170101]

Surely 12 car trains aren't an issue as long as they carry on in the same direction with regards to WGC?

 

[Magdalia]

This discussion is about Hertford East. Following the digression onto Welwyn Garden City I have created a new discussion which is here:

9W90 2341 Horsham-Peterborough 12 car stop at Welwyn Garden City

I did not know, until today, that a 12 car class 700 Full Length Unit (FLU) is booked to stop in platform 3 at Welwyn Garden City (WGC). The train is 9W90 2341 Horsham(HRH)-Peterborough(PBO) Saturdays only calling Welwyn Garden City at 0113 on Sunday morning...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[Engeeaitch]

The issue is not the length of the platform, it is the position of the signals and the track circuits.

At Hertford East the signals are at the ends of the platforms so longer trains foul the signalling and the track circuits. Extending the platform is trivial compared to the signalling work.

Thank you - that makes sense now.

 

[55002]

They are working on the bridge over the railway, and track, at Ware this weekend.

Just nipped down to Ware. They are repointing and repairing the bridge over the line. Others are clearing vegetation and removing fences so the platform extension can be slotted in. New overhead line supports have been erected south/east of station. Apparently the platform extension necessitates the track shifting across, and the new platforms will be extended all way to the 60mph board behind the digger on the photo. That makes it one very long platform. The points will be also have to be moved back past the new platform.

 

[TheHSRailFan]

They are working on the bridge over the railway, and track, at Ware this weekend.

Just nipped down to Ware. They are repointing and repairing the bridge over the line. Others are clearing vegetation and removing fences so the platform extension can be slotted in. New overhead line supports have been erected south/east of station. Apparently the platform extension necessitates the track shifting across, and the new platforms will be extended all way to the 60mph board behind the digger on the photo. That makes it one very long platform. The points will be also have to be moved back past the new platform.

Thanks for the Update!
Sadly I did not get to see what's going on with Hertford but I plan to go to the station tomorrow as I'm off to Stratford.

 

[Coddington]

They are working on the bridge over the railway, and track, at Ware this weekend.

Just nipped down to Ware. They are repointing and repairing the bridge over the line. Others are clearing vegetation and removing fences so the platform extension can be slotted in. New overhead line supports have been erected south/east of station. Apparently the platform extension necessitates the track shifting across, and the new platforms will be extended all way to the 60mph board behind the digger on the photo. That makes it one very long platform. The points will be also have to be moved back past the new platform.

As a resident of Coddington Close (where the current works are taking place) we have had no updates from Network Rail or Greater Anglia as to how these works are going to affect us. The works have been really disruptive as you can imagine, but what I'm more interested in is does anyone know where the platform extension will end? Our car park is adjacent to the temporary fence which has been constructed. Thank you for any information anyone is able to provide.

 

[mr_moo]

The track gets moved more towards the centre of the bridge, and the new plaform extends through the bridge. It ends approximately in the middle of where the points between the single and double track are today.

The issue is not the length of the platform, it is the position of the signals and the track circuits.

At Hertford East the signals are at the ends of the platforms so longer trains foul the signalling and the track circuits. Extending the platform is trivial compared to the signalling work.

Absolutely. The new trains must be accomodated within the signalling, so the signals must move. They are moving, together with the junction behind them which is being totally renewed, a sufficient distance to allow for the platform to be extended to accomodate a full length train plus a bit extra for future flexibility.

 

[55002]

As a resident of Coddington Close (where the current works are taking place) we have had no updates from Network Rail or Greater Anglia as to how these works are going to affect us. The works have been really disruptive as you can imagine, but what I'm more interested in is does anyone know where the platform extension will end? Our car park is adjacent to the temporary fence which has been constructed. Thank you for any information anyone is able to provide.

I was told the new platform extends down to where the 60mph marker board is. The points need to be moved, and track lifted across slightly, so signalling cables need moving aswell as the overhead line. The 17 day closure is when that all gets done. I suspect it will be pretty Noisy At times

 

[Coddington]

I was told the new platform extends down to where the 60mph marker board is. The points need to be moved, and track lifted across slightly, so signalling cables need moving aswell as the overhead line. The 17 day closure is when that all gets done. I suspect it will be pretty Noisy At times

Thank you for your response, the disruption has already been horrendous the past 2 weekends. I am dreading what they're calling 'the blockade'.

 

[55002]

Pictures from visit to Ware this evening. They’ve moved the track across to create space for platform under bridge. S&T on site now to do new cabling. Points been moved further towards St Margaret’s direction. New masts and overhead line in place. Big crane coming down soon to lift the old track onto train, presumably that 66752 heads, which is currently idling away the Hertford side of the level crossing. The old platform has been completely taken out to level with station buildings. New platform is modular kit and will extend under the road bridge to just behind where the first picture is taken. Tomorrow ballast going down on new track so maybe bit dusty on your cars @Coddington

Edit 11am Fri 66748 and 66713 are currently at Ware Station dropping ballast into the newly laid track section through the station and over newly sited points. The down line has been done up to the points. The up looks to be done next. 66796 is positioned just near A10 over bridge between Ware and Hertford also

From Sunday morning

Teams are installing new overhead wires around the new points and under the bridge. These are being attached to the new masts. Underneath one of the non railway arches on the road bridge work is going on also. In the station itself lot of old platform been ripped out none of new sections are there yet. 66796 and 757 are just outside Ware station on a spoil train which leaves the branch very early tomorrow back to Whitemoor. There is another train somewhere on branch that also leaves early tomorrow also

 

[BS56]

Visited both sites today. At Hertford all new track and pointwork is in place as is most of the ballast. The up platform (2 ) is nearly complete .A small section of the down platform ( 1 ) has been started see photo can anybody tell me what the various parts of the platforms are made of ? They sit on a dry mix of cement. Once this is complete that leaves only the overhead wires and new signals to install.

 

[swt_passenger]

Visited both sites today. At Hertford all new track and pointwork is in place as is most of the ballast. The up platform (2 ) is nearly complete .A small section of the down platform ( 1 ) has been started see photo can anybody tell me what the various parts of the platforms are made of ? They sit on a dry mix of cement. Once this is complete that leaves only the overhead wires and new signals to install.

I believe they’re expanded polystyrene. Only the eventual surface panels incorporating the copings and tactiles etc are hard wearing.

The manufacturer’s website includes some photo case studies: https://www.megatechprojects.co.uk/

 

[55002]

Monday afternoon update 66795 just arrived up near Hertford on another ballast train from Whitemoor. All 3 trains that were on the branch over the weekend left in the early hours

Ware Update Thurs 1pm

the polystyrene blocks that form base of platform are all in place to their new position through the bridge. Concrete now needs pouring over top. There’s a new signal in place at end of the new platform. S&T engineers working still and welding going on near the points. Overhead wires are now connected to the new gantries. I presume that at some point the old masts will be removed

 

[BS56]

Monday afternoon update 66795 just arrived up near Hertford on another ballast train from Whitemoor. All 3 trains that were on the branch over the weekend left in the early hours

Ware Update Thurs 1pm

the polystyrene blocks that form base of platform are all in place to their new position through the bridge. Concrete now needs pouring over top. There’s a new signal in place at end of the new platform. S&T engineers working still and welding going on near the points. Overhead wires are now connected to the new gantries. I presume that at some point the old masts will be removed

The platform surface is some form of concrete slab about the same size as the polystyrene blocks each one is craned into place I saw this being done at Hertford earlier this week they come prepainted with white edges as well.

 

[swt_passenger]

The platform surface is some form of concrete slab about the same size as the polystyrene blocks each one is craned into place I saw this being done at Hertford earlier this week they come prepainted with white edges as well.

To add to your reply I’d also point out that the surface panel details, including tactiles and copings in a single one piece casting, can also be seen in the various case studies on the manufacturers website that I linked to in post #51

 

[TheHSRailFan]

Hey everyone,
I'm currently away from Herts for the week. I've been getting images from my friend who lives in ware and is allowing me to upload some images as well as my own. Therefore there's a lot to go through.

Firstly before the currently blockade was the weekends where the line was shut. This was mainly for preparations for the blockade, early works and OHLE replacement.

As the blockade started I and my brother noticed a few 66s on the line as well as a crane to work on the OHLE. Surprisingly the HS2 66 is helping out which is good to see. As well as the stations "taxi rank" there are many things around for the workers to use. I have see digger equipment as well in the station concourse.

Outside the ramp has been destroyed ready for the platform to be extended. As seen here...

The platform surface is some form of concrete slab about the same size as the polystyrene blocks each one is craned into place I saw this being done at Hertford earlier this week they come prepainted with white edges as well.

Both ware and Hertford East are basically almost done as the tracks have been moved.
https://media.discordapp.net/attach...4/1011008264600817704/IMG_20220821_172439.jpg
https://media.discordapp.net/attach...4/1012051031527542844/IMG_20220824_182834.jpg

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/764849142690217994/1012418249788506142/IMG_20220825_122427.jpg

(All pictures are from my friend and not me)

I'll try and take pics on Sunday and Monday and sorry if this is not that's good at all I'm I'm my phone.

Pictures uploaded below are all mine.

 

[malc-c]

Thanks for documenting this work.

 

[TheHSRailFan]

Welp the day has come!

Last Sunday I hopped down to see what last works they needed to do. At that point they were nearly done and all that was needed to do was take everything off the public spaces and some asphalt that needed smoothing out on the platform. One of the photos I couldn't sadly upload one or 2 photos due to forum limitations so they are coming as links.

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/487773716877541381/1014287334931431474/PXL_20220828_153146701.jpg

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/487773716877541381/1014287334658818158/PXL_20220828_153537506.jpg

of course, Yesterday we saw the branch line open and have the platform extension open to the public. You are able to stand in place where the signal box was as well as the length does take time to get to the end of the platform. Anyway, part of the station platform has to be relayed to accommodate the new wires as well as new signals, the track moved and so on.

the last image is the rough area of the signal box.

 

[fat_boy_pete]

Welp the day has come!

Last Sunday I hopped down to see what last works they needed to do. At that point they were nearly done and all that was needed to do was take everything off the public spaces and some asphalt that needed smoothing out on the platform. One of the photos I couldn't sadly upload one or 2 photos due to forum limitations so they are coming as links.
View attachment 120063View attachment 120064View attachment 120065

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/487773716877541381/1014287334931431474/PXL_20220828_153146701.jpg

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/487773716877541381/1014287334658818158/PXL_20220828_153537506.jpg

of course, Yesterday we saw the branch line open and have the platform extension open to the public. You are able to stand in place where the signal box was as well as the length does take time to get to the end of the platform. Anyway, part of the station platform has to be relayed to accommodate the new wires as well as new signals, the track moved and so on.
View attachment 120068View attachment 120069View attachment 120070View attachment 120071View attachment 120067
the last image is the rough area of the signal box.

GA have also published some photos on their Twitter feed.

https://twitter.com/GreaterAngliaPR/status/1564948441947684865?t=gTnL4e0ffLH1DyVNiZIqNQ&s=19

 

[malc-c]

What triggered my OCD was this image

Given the work involved you would have thought that they could have taking the kink out of the line and made the platform straight

 

[BS56]

What triggered my OCD was this image

Given the work involved you would have thought that they could have taking the kink out of the line and made the platform straight

They could have removed the kink in Ware platform but they chose not to.