Manchester Piccadilly 11 and 12

[Philip]

I've loosely noticed that platforms 11 and 12 at Manchester Picc don't seem to be heavily used compared to the other platforms and was thinking whether they or the space could be put to better use?

Would it be possible to convert these to through-line platforms, by diverting the tracks to the south slightly so that they run closer and more parallel to 13 and 14? I don't know if this would be easier and cheaper than the 15 and 16 project, but just wondered given that 1. they don't seem to be occupied that often over the hour and 2. there is more capacity available over platforms 1-10 because of the TPE Ordsall Chord diversions.

I realise this would require a junction with the existing through line a bit further west and that some of the old shed brickwork would probably have to be knocked through, but what is the feasibility?

 

[JonathanH]

I've loosely noticed that platforms 11 and 12 at Manchester Picc don't seem to be heavily used compared to the other platforms and was thinking whether they or the space could be put to better use?

They share access with platforms 9 and 10 so are awkward to use - ie why would you use 11 and 12 if 9 and 10 are available. Even if you could knock down the wall, there wouldn't be space to put another line in between the platform line for 13 and the access to platforms 9 and 10.

I realise this would require a junction with the existing through line a bit further west and that some of the old shed brickwork would probably have to be knocked through, but what is the feasibility?

Not feasible.

This post may help with the background https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...r-really-necessary.209508/page-2#post-4795515

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Doesn't really help that platforms 11 and 12 are probably the shortest platforms at Manchester Piccadilly, the longest train(s) that they can each accommodate is maybe 5 cars.

 

[Bletchleyite]

11 would be a perfect permanent "airport express" platform, FWIW. 12 is a bit useless, and I do wonder why it was put back - it only regained track in 1990-something.

 

[LOL The Irony]

11 would be a perfect permanent "airport express" platform, FWIW. 12 is a bit useless, and I do wonder why it was put back - it only regained track in 1990-something.

I say in an ideal world, turn both 11 & 12 over to a quarter hourly airport service using specially built 331's.

 

[JonathanH]

I say in an ideal world, turn both 11 & 12 over to a quarter hourly airport service using specially built 331's.

Close platform 13 at the same time? Perhaps 13 could have buffers (for services from the west end) and 14 remain as a through bidirectional platform for a limited through service.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I say in an ideal world, turn both 11 & 12 over to a quarter hourly airport service using specially built 331's.

I'd just use 11 with the layover at the other end, if at all possible, as 12 has no access from the bridge. Maybe keep it as an emergency overflow.

Close platform 13 at the same time? Perhaps 13 could have buffers (for services from the west end) and 14 remain as a through bidirectional platform for a limited through service.

I'm not quite sure what to say to that other that, er, can I have some of what you've been smoking?

Wouldn't have anywhere near enough capacity.

 

[JonathanH]

I'd just use 11 with the layover at the other end, if at all possible, as 12 has no access from the bridge. Maybe keep it as an emergency overflow.



I'm not quite sure what to say to that other that, er, can I have some of what you've been smoking?

Wouldn't have anywhere near enough capacity.

The point I am making is that to use platform 11 as intensively as you suggest, you would have to sacrifice platform 13 to create the access. Remember there is a single lead into 9, 10, 11 and 12. If the airport service is running from the bay platforms at Piccadilly, it doesn't need to come from Blackpool, Liverpool, Newcastle, Redcar, Barrow, Scotland etc.

Of course platform 14 wouldn't have the capacity as a bi-directional platform for all of those but neither does the combined effort of Piccadilly and Victoria have the capacity to terminate the services from far away that currently go to the Airport.

 

[LOL The Irony]

12 has no access from the bridge.

I think you'll find it does.

 

[JonathanH]

I think you'll find it does, it's just not currently in use.

Doesn't have step access though, just the lift.

 

[Purple Orange]

Could there be any benefit to filling the bays in? If P15 & P16 are built and with the addition of the 6 HS2/NPR platforms, could the space be better used for retail, with the remaining 20 platforms being more than enough capacity?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Doesn't have step access though, just the lift.

Must admit I didn't know there was a lift, but that would be inadequate.