Island Line Upgrade updates

[Chris125]

I've been waiting and waiting for the first whinges about the upgrade in the local press... and it's a classic! Not your predictable complaint about noisy builders, but the horrific consequences of raising the platform at Lake by a foot.

IWCP: Lake privacy concerns as SWR Island Line platform is raised

RESIDENTS with properties backing onto Lake Train Station are concerned their privacy has been compromised — after a new higher platform was installed.

One is concered the eye-level platform means she will be able to see passengers using the shelter as a toilet.

...The resident told the County Press: "This is totally unacceptable. My neighbours are all in the same position.

"We received notification by SWR that engineering work would be carried out, but they did not tell us the extent of the work, and the impact it would have on us.

"Shanklin and Brading stations had their platforms lowered, but Lake was raised significantly.

 

[Southern Dvr]

I've been waiting and waiting for the first whinges about the upgrade in the local press... and it's a classic! Not your predictable complaint about noisy builders, but the horrific consequences of raising the platform at Lake by a foot.

IWCP: Lake privacy concerns as SWR Island Line platform is raised

Just raise the fence. Job done.

 

[Mollman]

Just raise the fence. Job done.

Or install a toilet at the station

 

[pdeaves]

Or install a toilet at the station

Or the complainer could, you know, not watch people going to the toilet Yes, I know it's not the intended use for a shelter but it does strike me that someone is looking out for something to complain about (I do accept that the situation may be different to how it looks to me)

 

[bramling]

Or the complainer could, you know, not watch people going to the toilet Yes, I know it's not the intended use for a shelter but it does strike me that someone is looking out for something to complain about (I do accept that the situation may be different to how it looks to me)

Wouldn’t be the first time this sort of thing has cropped up - was it not Eastham Rake that had to have some quite particular measures built in to its design to appease local residents.

To be fair I’d probably have the hump a bit if this happened too, however I can’t see getting the fence raised being too much of an issue. There doesn’t seem to be any mention of them having gone through the appropriate channels to do that, before going to the media.

 

[Ianno87]

Or install a toilet at the station

Surely the clue is in the station name.... "Lake"

 

[VEP3417]

Do you have a link to where you found it please?

it was from the iow line fb page but was taken months ago so not a recent photo

 

[221101 Voyager]

Surely the clue is in the station name.... "Lake"

Yes, soon to be renamed "The Lake of p*ss" if SWR don't stop the shelter being used as a toilet!

Also, I must admit they have certainly done the platform height adjustments on the cheap on the line haven't they?

 

[bramling]

Yes, soon to be renamed "The Lake of p*ss" if SWR don't stop the shelter being used as a toilet!

Also, I must admit they have certainly done the platform height adjustments on the cheap on the line haven't they?

Maybe it’s so they can all be removed in 25 years time if the D stock is replaced by something like 95 or 09 stock!

 

[221101 Voyager]

Maybe it’s so they can all be removed in 25 years time if the D stock is replaced by something like 95 or 09 stock!

You never know!

 

[Ianno87]

Also, I must admit they have certainly done the platform height adjustments on the cheap on the line haven't they?

The whole line is "on the cheap" such is the economics of the operation!

 

[221101 Voyager]

The whole line is "on the cheap" such is the economics of the operation!

At least they finally have TPWS, only took them about 20 years to catch up with the rest of us!

Also that cheap stuff to raise the platform doesn't look very strong. I'd be worried even if I was the only one standing on it!

Be nice to see everything get a repaint on the stations though at least.

 

[Southern Dvr]

Remember it wasn't that long ago the whole line was going to be replaced by a light rail system.

They raised the platform, it only makes sense that they raise the fence.

As for the shelter being used as a toilet, it's despicable and totally unacceptable. I would suggest that the shelter is removed, and would suggest it's not required if the service frequency is going to improve with the new stock. Also seems quite unnecessary anyway as Lake isn't exactly a transport hub, mostly used by locals and they would only be turning up when the train is imminent anyway.

 

[221101 Voyager]

Remember it wasn't that long ago the whole line was going to be replaced by a light rail system.

They raised the platform, it only makes sense that they raise the fence.

As for the shelter being used as a toilet, it's despicable and totally unacceptable. I would suggest that the shelter is removed, and would suggest it's not required if the service frequency is going to improve with the new stock. Also seems quite unnecessary anyway as Lake isn't exactly a transport hub, mostly used by locals and they would only be turning up when the train is imminent anyway.

I suppose so.

Raising the fence makes the most sense definitely.

It is unacceptable and whoever thinks it's ok should be put into a Zoo, as the animals may teach them some better manners!

 

[Chris125]

While the railway is shut they are refurbishing the various footbridges, with Alresford near Shanklin back open - mysterious excavations are underway beneath the ramps. There's more progress at Brading too, with the electrical side coming along and work about to start work on the new foot crossing.


Alresford Footbridge by Chris, on Flickr


Brading by Chris, on Flickr


Brading by Chris, on Flickr

 

[CunningPlan]

Apologies if this has already been covered, but does anyone know if any opportunity is being taken to raise the maximum line speed as part of these works? IIRC the D-stock regularly travelled at more than 45mph on parts of the District line, and I believe the 230s are rated for more than that too.

Either side of Brading there's a couple of miles of relatively straight and (to the south) level track.

I ask because mention has been made of the tight turnarounds and the reputation of the D-train doors as being rather pedestrian. If line speeds approaching what would be the critical passing loop could be raised even by 5-10mph that would build in a little resilience.

I know for much of the line, the geometry would make it impossible to raise the line speed (principally North of St. John's Road), and in other areas (principally Shanklin - Sandown) the stations are too close together for there to be any practical point.

 

[hermit]

Apologies if this has already been covered, but does anyone know if any opportunity is being taken to raise the maximum line speed as part of these works? IIRC the D-stock regularly travelled at more than 45mph on parts of the District line, and I believe the 230s are rated for more than that too.

Either side of Brading there's a couple of miles of relatively straight and (to the south) level track.

I ask because mention has been made of the tight turnarounds and the reputation of the D-train doors as being rather pedestrian. If line speeds approaching what would be the critical passing loop could be raised even by 5-10mph that would build in a little resilience.

I know for much of the line, the geometry would make it impossible to raise the line speed (principally North of St. John's Road), and in other areas (principally Shanklin - Sandown) the stations are too close together for there to be any practical point.

There are two footpath crossings north of Brading, with not terribly good sight lines for pedestrians. That might be a consideration.

 

[CunningPlan]

But they're covered by an existing speed restriction (IIRC, 20mph pre-upgrade) just north of the station. I meant the couple of miles between there and Smallbrook which is currently 45, and the former double track alignment through Yarborough and on to the loop at Sandown.

 

[Philip 34002]

But they're covered by an existing speed restriction (IIRC, 20mph pre-upgrade) just north of the station. I meant the couple of miles between there and Smallbrook which is currently 45, and the former double track alignment through Yarborough and on to the loop at Sandown.

Apologies if this has already been covered, but does anyone know if any opportunity is being taken to raise the maximum line speed as part of these works? IIRC the D-stock regularly travelled at more than 45mph on parts of the District line, and I believe the 230s are rated for more than that too.

Either side of Brading there's a couple of miles of relatively straight and (to the south) level track.

I ask because mention has been made of the tight turnarounds and the reputation of the D-train doors as being rather pedestrian. If line speeds approaching what would be the critical passing loop could be raised even by 5-10mph that would build in a little resilience.

I know for much of the line, the geometry would make it impossible to raise the line speed (principally North of St. John's Road), and in other areas (principally Shanklin - Sandown) the stations are too close together for there to be any practical point.

The maximum permitted speed for the Class 484 units is 60 mph, please see data panels on non cab ens.

But they're covered by an existing speed restriction (IIRC, 20mph pre-upgrade) just north of the station. I meant the couple of miles between there and Smallbrook which is currently 45, and the former double track alignment through Yarborough and on to the loop at Sandown.

 

[L401CJF]

Wouldn’t be the first time this sort of thing has cropped up - was it not Eastham Rake that had to have some quite particular measures built in to its design to appease local residents.

To be fair I’d probably have the hump a bit if this happened too, however I can’t see getting the fence raised being too much of an issue. There doesn’t seem to be any mention of them having gone through the appropriate channels to do that, before going to the media.

Recently Merseyrail installed a metal fence alongside the road outside Meols Station to replace the existing falling down fence, they were shocked when residents over the road complained over the fence making them feel like a prison etc. Some people have too much time!

News link

CAMPAIGNERS living near the railway station in Meols are celebrating after the council ordered removal of a fence slammed as a 'blot on the landscape'.


During a planning meeting last night, councillors rejected a retrospective application for the fence - measuring 112 metre long and 1.8 metres high - which faces the homes of residents in Birkenhead Road.


Merseyrail said the fence had been installed 'as a gesture of goodwill' to replace an existing one in poor condition, following reports of anti-social behaviour and unauthorised access to a local sports club adjoining the railway.

A spokesman said Merseyrail was working the council to resolve the matter and a find a more suitable alternative for the fence.
Conservative councillor for Hoylake and Meols Alison Wright was contacted by residents and brought the matter to the Council's planning committee for action.
Cllr Wright said: "With the current restrictions on movement, residents have been left with no alternative but to face this monstrosity from their living rooms.

"While we were unable to collect a door-to-door petition, enough people made their views known to warrant action.

 

[philthetube]

Apologies if this has already been covered, but does anyone know if any opportunity is being taken to raise the maximum line speed as part of these works? IIRC the D-stock regularly travelled at more than 45mph on parts of the District line, and I believe the 230s are rated for more than that too.

Either side of Brading there's a couple of miles of relatively straight and (to the south) level track.

I ask because mention has been made of the tight turnarounds and the reputation of the D-train doors as being rather pedestrian. If line speeds approaching what would be the critical passing loop could be raised even by 5-10mph that would build in a little resilience.

I know for much of the line, the geometry would make it impossible to raise the line speed (principally North of St. John's Road), and in other areas (principally Shanklin - Sandown) the stations are too close together for there to be any practical point.

D Stock on ate District did not exceed 45, officially, but are now capable of 60

 

[CunningPlan]

D Stock on ate District did not exceed 45, officially, but are now capable of 60

The maximum permitted speed for the Class 484 units is 60 mph, please see data panels on non cab ens.

That's great, but unless the line speed is raised as part of the upgrade work they'll never go that fast. Current maximum speed on Island Line is 45mph, so I was wondering if anyone knew if that was being uprated anywhere.

 

[Ploughman]

What would be the gain by upping the speed?
Is it worth it?

 

[CunningPlan]

What would be the gain by upping the speed?
Is it worth it?

I was thinking largely about resilience - if trains can head towards or away from the critical passing loop at more than 45mph then it would mean less chance of one delayed service knocking the whole day's schedule off.

In my OP I did wonder if that would mitigate concerns raised about Class 484 station dwell times, among other things. It would also give a little more leeway for the train to wait for the connecting cat passengers at Pier Head and/or connecting bus passengers at Shanklin.

Mostly I just wondered if anyone knew if raising the line speed was [expected] to be part of the upgrade - and so far the answer seems to be 'nobody knows'...

 

[Bletchleyite]

D-trains only have long dwells because of poor design of the door operation. I had perhaps hoped Vivarail would address this on later units after it was highlighted on the Marston Vale units.

The maximum permitted speed for the Class 484 units is 60 mph, please see data panels on non cab ens.

2.84m wide, interesting. Does that make them the widest passenger stock on Network Rail metals? I think it probably does? I've not seen anything wider than 2.82 before.

 

[A0]

What would be the gain by upping the speed?
Is it worth it?

My thoughts exactly - the line length is about 8.3 miles, from May services are timed to take 23 mins from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin with 6 intermediate stops - so allow a 90 second penalty for slowing stop and starting for each of those and that's 9 minutes. So the actual moving time is about 13 mins to cover 8.3 miles - average there is about 40 mph. If you upped that by 10% to 44 mph you'd only reduce the journey time by about 1.5 mins.

So the answer is, not much and no probably not.

 

[stuu]

D-trains only have long dwells because of poor design of the door operation. I had perhaps hoped Vivarail would address this on later units after it was highlighted on the Marston Vale units.



2.84m wide, interesting. Does that make them the widest passenger stock on Network Rail metals? I think it probably does? I've not seen anything wider than 2.82 before.

S Stock is 2.92m, and operates over several different segments of the NR network. A Stock was even wider

 

[Chris125]

Mostly I just wondered if anyone knew if raising the line speed was [expected] to be part of the upgrade - and so far the answer seems to be 'nobody knows'...

AFAIK it was never mentioned even when there was grand talk of welded rails and new ballast, so it's safe to assume they won't be.

 

[fgwrich]

AFAIK it was never mentioned even when there was grand talk of welded rails and new ballast, so it's safe to assume they won't be.

I have to admit I am a little surprised that we haven't seen any welded rails yet, with the Brading relay being with new track panels. I just hope the track is maintained better than previously, as some of those jointed sections were rather rough in the end. At least the ride of the 484s should be much smoother than the 38 stock.

 

[philthetube]

I would be surprised if the rails are not welded, cheaper to maintain. Maybe that is to follow when most of the work is done.