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Journey by Journey => London to Reading => Topic started by: eightf48544 on April 21, 2015, 15:50:57



Title: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on April 21, 2015, 15:50:57
Just popped up to Taplow to see how work on the footbridge was going. Got to South carpark to find entrance barred. Chatting to Balfour Beatty guy he said they'd had to close over the mains as it was considered unsafe.

He said they hoped to strenthen it and not have to demolish it.

Down Trains are still stopping on Platfrom 3 but no exit to South side. Bridge OK over Reliefs.

He said there was a of shuttle bus to bring pasenger  round from the North side. Although I didn't see one. The road bride East of the station is a bit hairy for pedestrians.

Had a quick look at FGW website but nothing obvious yet.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on April 21, 2015, 17:42:42
Yes I got there about 0645 this morning to find same and had to trot around to the other side of the station sharpish! One of the NR guys was telling some kids a tale about the bridge being hit by a train overnight, they'd rebuilt it but needed it checked before reopening!  ;D

Shuttle bus seems a little OTT, it's all of a 2 minute walk!

Really hope they don't demolish it, it's a lovely old bridge at one of the loveliest old stations.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on April 22, 2015, 11:34:54
.........found out this morning that it was the jib of a crane which hit the bridge, someone being very careless, if it results in a 130 yr old bridge having to be demolished, someone needs a firm kick in the arse.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: Western Enterprise on April 22, 2015, 15:40:04
I'd got to know that bridge very well a long time ago, with the 1888 and gwr logo and all that; a lot of gricing done there.
It will be a great shame if its condemned.
I presume it has enough clearance for the electrics, given it was around in broad gauge times...?


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on April 22, 2015, 17:59:27
Interesting point........a cynic might suggest that it was clobbered accidentally on purpose as demolishing it as "unsafe" would be cheaper than adapting it to accommodate wires?

Any idea if it's listed?


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: Electric train on April 22, 2015, 19:04:04
Interesting point........a cynic might suggest that it was clobbered accidentally on purpose as demolishing it as "unsafe" would be cheaper than adapting it to accommodate wires?

Any idea if it's listed?

It would not be hit on purpose, the contractors insurances company would have a fit the cost of the damage to the crane and then the cost of remedial or recovery of the bridge also English Heritage might have a word or four to say about it.

Also projects in NR just don't work that way.

I notice in an earlier post by eightf48544 that Balfour Beatty were mentioned well they are the OLE contractor ......... also  :-X  :-\ ???(and now that was a personal comment and not a professional one)

I presume it has enough clearance for the electrics, given it was around in broad gauge times...?

Not necessarily broad gauge trains were wide and not much higher than modern trains also the track is higher due to the amount of ballast used for CWR on concrete sleepers


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on April 23, 2015, 08:05:29
AIUI, as Electric train said the bridge would be high enough if the main lines were lowered by removing a foot or more of ballast. Therefore, it was intended the bridge would remain even when we got our fully accesible bridge between the relief line platforms 3 &4 at the East end.

The work they were doing of which the first part was strenthening the timbers of the stairs to which end the side panels covering the supports were removed. This phase seems to be finished as the panels are back on and newly painted. The other work on the bridge was to put glass/plastic transparent screens along it's length to stop over enthusiastic youngsters poking the O/H.

Lowering  the main lines would also have the effect of potentialy bringing the main lines back into use as there wouldn't be a foot high step up into the train.

The bridge was fully refurbished in 2006 just prior to the World Rowing Championships at Dorney. It was originally intended Taplow would be the railhead for the Olympicsi In the end the South Carpark was closed and used by police and other security staff.



Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on April 27, 2015, 14:05:32
Haven't managed to get to the station has it reopened yet?


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on April 27, 2015, 17:23:53
Nope still closed with tatty bits of paper attached in various places advising people.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on May 05, 2015, 18:20:52
Still closed today!


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on May 05, 2015, 18:30:38
I wouldn't hold your breath!


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on May 06, 2015, 10:55:16
Building a Greater West by hitting 130 year old bridges with our cranes!!!  ::)


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on May 18, 2015, 17:49:38
Looked like some sort of inspection going on today, much frowning and scratching of chins by the looks of it! Am trying to find out from NR what the latest us so will update as soon as I hear anything.

As it is we still have "bustitution" for the 1 minute journey from one station entrance to the other - must be the shortest road replacement service in operation!!!


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on May 31, 2015, 09:17:25
.....had a response from NR this morning re: when is the footbridge going to be fixed........................they've sent me a form asking me to fill it in with the details......... ::)


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on June 09, 2015, 18:18:44
Finally had a response from Network Rail............referring me to Crossrail  >:(


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on July 15, 2015, 10:27:24
Here's the latest state of play showing the "temporary" bridge being constructed on platforms 3 & 4.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: lordgoata on July 15, 2015, 12:36:49
That looks pretty solid at least - unlike the mass of scaffold, breeze blocks and wooden sleepers the Goring one is constructed from! Not for the feint of heart if you don't like heights and swaying :D

Still it will be gone when the new bridge opens in June. Oh wait, its already July. New bridge ETA is now 2016, so fun times on the slippery bridge over winter ....


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on July 20, 2015, 08:10:40
Here's the latest view of the Bailey bridge at Taplow this morning - now stretches from Platforms 1 to 4, not pretty but hopefully will do the job temporarily, looks almost ready to go, they were working on it all weekend.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on August 04, 2015, 16:56:05
Looks like it's in service now.....


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: IndustryInsider on August 04, 2015, 17:02:05
Presumably it will stay up until the necessary modifications to the proper bridge are made ready for electrification, as well as any repairs necessary following the damage caused by the contractor?


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on August 04, 2015, 17:19:51
Presumably it will stay up until the necessary modifications to the proper bridge are made ready for electrification, as well as any repairs necessary following the damage caused by the contractor?

I sincerely hope so, especially taking into account the "coincidental" circumstances of the damage caused by the contractor......but don't be too surprised if the temporary bridge ends up becoming more permanent if it's decided for whatever convenient reason not to repair/modify the original bridge.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: Electric train on August 04, 2015, 18:55:43
Presumably it will stay up until the necessary modifications to the proper bridge are made ready for electrification, as well as any repairs necessary following the damage caused by the contractor?

I sincerely hope so, especially taking into account the "coincidental" circumstances of the damage caused by the contractor......but don't be too surprised if the temporary bridge ends up becoming more permanent if it's decided for whatever convenient reason not to repair/modify the original bridge.

They won't want the temporary bridge there for any longer that is necessary the frequency of the inspections on such a bridge are expensive.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: SandTEngineer on August 04, 2015, 19:22:36
.......and where is the temporary lighting...... ::)


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: ellendune on August 04, 2015, 19:36:51
They won't want the temporary bridge there for any longer that is necessary the frequency of the inspections on such a bridge are expensive.

There was a temporary bridge of this type inside the footbridge at Derby from before 1974 until 2005! I hope it is not that long. 


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on August 05, 2015, 09:31:10
.......and where is the temporary lighting...... ::)

Perhaps not clear from the photo but there is lighting all the way up the steps above the handrail on both sides......not sure about the footbridge itself, I will try to have a look later (.....my life is so rock n roll!)  ;D



Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on August 06, 2015, 13:56:39
(.....my life is so rock n roll!)

Maybe Network Rail could earn some money selling it as a location for a

"You're so Money supermarket.com" advert!


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on August 07, 2015, 09:35:15
(.....my life is so rock n roll!)

Maybe Network Rail could earn some money selling it as a location for a

"You're so Money supermarket.com" advert!

......if memory serves, McDonalds used Taplow station to make some adverts back in the 1990s?


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on August 07, 2015, 17:01:48
Here's a view from the top of the "temporary" footbridge looking towards the original - gives an idea of the height differential!

(I apologise if I'm coming over all "trainspotter" on this subject!) ;D


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on August 08, 2015, 17:08:15
Your memory is correct Taplow Green. The iterestng thing about the ads was that the manger departed from Taplow towards Reading but arrived in Platform 7 at Reading which was then the Western Bay between 5 & 8 and used by Reading Didcot stoppers!

Sorry will stop gricing!



Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: BBM on August 08, 2015, 18:58:22
I was trying to recall a vague memory about filming at Taplow station in the 1970s so I had a look at IMDB. I didn't find anything about that but I did find reference to a movie called Highly Dangerous starring Margaret Lockwood which was made in 1950 and apparently included some filming at Taplow. I then went on to find this page which has some stills from the film:

http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=417&film_ref=highly_dangerous (http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=417&film_ref=highly_dangerous)

Included on that page are two stills from the scene at the station which include good views of the footbridge (and if you hover the mouse cursor over the pictures you get comparable views taken in 2013).


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on October 05, 2015, 11:33:26
"Temporary" Bailey bridge still in operation 2 months on, have heard a lot of older people saying that it's more difficult to negotiate than the old bridge as a lot more steps involved, access to the old bridge is now completely blocked off by fencing/barriers, looks a bit tatty.

I haven't seen any work going on but would be very interested if anyone on here can provide an update on repairs?


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: IndustryInsider on October 05, 2015, 11:41:59
"Temporary" Bailey bridge still in operation 2 months on, have heard a lot of older people saying that it's more difficult to negotiate than the old bridge as a lot more steps involved, access to the old bridge is now completely blocked off by fencing/barriers, looks a bit tatty.

I haven't seen any work going on but would be very interested if anyone on here can provide an update on repairs?

Not sure on the current bridge, but you might find this interesting regarding the new bridge with lifts linking platforms 2/3 and 4 that will complement the existing structure:

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/209997/response/525015/attach/6/Taplow.pdf (https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/209997/response/525015/attach/6/Taplow.pdf)


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on October 05, 2015, 11:51:46
"Temporary" Bailey bridge still in operation 2 months on, have heard a lot of older people saying that it's more difficult to negotiate than the old bridge as a lot more steps involved, access to the old bridge is now completely blocked off by fencing/barriers, looks a bit tatty.

I haven't seen any work going on but would be very interested if anyone on here can provide an update on repairs?

Not sure on the current bridge, but you might find this interesting regarding the new bridge with lifts linking platforms 2/3 and 4 that will complement the existing structure:

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/209997/response/525015/attach/6/Taplow.pdf (https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/209997/response/525015/attach/6/Taplow.pdf)

Many thanks that's really interesting, and I'm delighted to see that the plans emphasise the retention of the 130 yr old footbridge, as I am sure will be a lot of other local people.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on October 05, 2015, 15:06:23
The problem with this study was that it was predicated on the assumption that the existing footbridge would be used to access Platform 1 and the South Carpark.

The last lines of page 10 of the paper states

"All platforms are currently accessed via the existing hipped footbridge west of the station building. Platform 1 is inadequate for stopping trains due to its limited length, and is not used during perturbed services, thus the scope of this study does not include a step free route to that platform."
 
However since the "accident" which damaged the existing bridge and caused it's closure, means that consideration now  has to be given as to how to give step free access to the South Car park. Which the "Baily" bridge provides.

If the existing footbridge is repaired and reopened then the bridge and lifts proposed in this paper would just about be adequate given that all disable parking will be on the North side (platform 4).

However, it is the mainline span (platform 2/3 to South Car park) of the existing footbridge which is damaged. Which means that if it cannot be repaired and is permanently closed and removed then the new bridge will require a mainline span and presumably a lift to the South Car Park.

A possible compromise has been suggested for this eventuality, that the Relief line span of the existing bridge  is retained and the new bridge built with 3 lifts accross both the Reliefs and Mains.   


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on October 05, 2015, 15:26:32
The problem with this study was that it was predicated on the assumption that the existing footbridge would be used to access Platform 1 and the South Carpark.

The last lines of page 10 of the paper states

"All platforms are currently accessed via the existing hipped footbridge west of the station building. Platform 1 is inadequate for stopping trains due to its limited length, and is not used during perturbed services, thus the scope of this study does not include a step free route to that platform."
  

......as a slight aside, has any thought been given to addressing the "inadequacy" of platform 1?


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: IndustryInsider on October 05, 2015, 16:49:04
Isn't the proposed footbridge located where the current temporary footbridge has been installed?  It would seem logical to effect repairs to the old footbridge and make the modifications necessary for safe running of electric trains beneath it, then re-open it, dismantle the current temporary bridge and then construct the fully accessible new bridge linking platform 4 with 3/2.  All that assumes that repairs to the old bridge can be made, and that, as I think TG suggested previously, the damage isn't used as an excuse to demolish it!   :-\


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on October 07, 2015, 11:07:03
All that assumes that repairs to the old bridge can be made, and that, as I think TG suggested previously, the damage isn't used as an excuse to demolish it!   :-\

The suggestion of 3 lift bridge is based on the damaged mainline span of the old footbridge being removed. But as has been said how access to the South carpark will be provided whilst the new bridge is being built is open to questions.

To my mind and being greedy I would like to see the existing bridge repaired and a new 3 lift bridge (instead of 2) being built givng step free access to all platforms and the South Carpark built as well.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on November 11, 2015, 12:10:03
All that assumes that repairs to the old bridge can be made, and that, as I think TG suggested previously, the damage isn't used as an excuse to demolish it!   :-\

The suggestion of 3 lift bridge is based on the damaged mainline span of the old footbridge being removed. But as has been said how access to the South carpark will be provided whilst the new bridge is being built is open to questions.

To my mind and being greedy I would like to see the existing bridge repaired and a new 3 lift bridge (instead of 2) being built givng step free access to all platforms and the South Carpark built as well.

Another month has gone by and little (if anything) seems to have been done by way of repairs to the original footbridge - still blocked off with a tatty collection of plastic barriers and fencing (neither of which were designed for the purpose) - does anyone have any news on what is happening?


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on February 05, 2016, 15:58:46
............not much of an update from GWR but just about better than nothing I guess..........


Thanks for getting in touch
Thank you for your email regarding Taplow station. Please accept my apologies for the delay in my response; this was due to enquiries being made.
 
Taplow footbridge
Sadly, at the time of writing, Network Rail has not given us a definitive date that the footbridge will be back in use ^ I^m sorry about this. We are hopeful that the work will be completed as soon as possible.
 
Please be assured that I have logged your comments for the attention of the appropriate managers so that they know just how much you and other customers have been affected.
 
Thanks for contacting GWR
Thank you for taking the time to write. If there is anything else we can help you with; please do not hesitate to contact us again.
 
Yours sincerely
 
 




Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: bobm on February 05, 2016, 19:48:46
Just a thought on first reading - would it not be better to contact Network Rail direct, seeing as their contractor caused the damage and NR is responsible for fixing it?


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on February 05, 2016, 21:25:13
Just a thought on first reading - would it not be better to contact Network Rail direct, seeing as their contractor caused the damage and NR is responsible for fixing it?

Contacted both as previously they passed it to and fro - NR didn't reply.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on April 27, 2017, 20:18:30
.............I heard a nasty rumour at the weekend that the footbridge is going to be demolished, I really hope it isn't true, does anyone in the Forum have any idea what is happening?  :'(


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on April 28, 2017, 14:23:01
The latest from Crossrail is that it is intended to remove the bridge for repairs and return to site. Maybe this is what TG heard.

When (if) the old bridge is returned  the temporary bridge will then be demolished and a 2 lift footbridge installed over the relief lines linking platform 3 and 4. The old bridge then giving access  to the South Car Park.

The reason for the repair and retention of the old bridge is that otherwise Crossrail (TFL) would have had to build a 3 lift bridge to give full access to the South side.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on April 28, 2017, 15:57:13
Quote from John Goldsmith Crossrail spokesperson hot off email.

"The latest information I have is that removal is not imminent but is likely to happen later in the summer  and that it is intended to return the bridge to the station when it has been repaired.  I am expecting notice from Network Rail of its removal so that we can let local residents know what is happening and people don’t get alarmed when they see that the bridge has been taken away."


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on April 28, 2017, 21:07:47
The latest from Crossrail is that it is intended to remove the bridge for repairs and return to site. Maybe this is what TG heard.

When (if) the old bridge is returned  the temporary bridge will then be demolished and a 2 lift footbridge installed over the relief lines linking platform 3 and 4. The old bridge then giving access  to the South Car Park.

The reason for the repair and retention of the old bridge is that otherwise Crossrail (TFL) would have had to build a 3 lift bridge to give full access to the South side.

Thanks - let's hope that is the case and it's restored as has always been promised - pal of mine got the story that it was being demolished from one of the guys working at Taplow station.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on April 29, 2017, 12:06:29
Hopefully removed and returned rather than actually demolished.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on May 12, 2017, 15:48:30
Latest from Crossrail, work has started on preparing the bridge for removal. Hopefully for repair and return.

Might be bank holiday weekend.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on May 12, 2017, 21:10:28
Latest from Crossrail, work has started on preparing the bridge for removal. Hopefully for repair and return.

Might be bank holiday weekend.

Yes I saw some engineers there the other day making some preparations.....after all the promises, anything short of repair and return will be unacceptable.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on May 26, 2017, 13:48:35
Latest from Crosrail bridge will not be removed this coming weekend.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on May 26, 2017, 18:31:28
Latest from Crosrail bridge will not be removed this coming weekend.

Any explanation as to why/when it will happen?


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on May 27, 2017, 15:59:15
Awaiting dates from Crossrail.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on June 11, 2017, 17:17:15
Any news?


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on June 11, 2017, 22:27:38
Nothing yet.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on June 19, 2017, 16:16:56
Latest from Network Rail.

"As you may have heard we’re planning to remove the footbridge in several parts by crane over two night time possessions on  the 1st/2nd July and the 8th/9th July. Whilst we had initially planned to remove the bridge in one piece over an extended railway possession, the limited time available to us means that we must now split the project over two weekends.

 Once removed, the bridge spans will be transferred on to low loaders and transported to Network Rail’s compound in Stockley where it will be stored whilst we consider tenders for its repair."


]I think it will be returned as Crossrail don't want to have to build a bridge and lift to the South carpark. So disabled access will be to the North Side with the old bridge providing access to the South Carpark.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on June 20, 2017, 07:14:52
Many thanks for the update.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on June 30, 2017, 10:32:32
Network Rail hope to start removal early Sunday morning.

Bridge will be taken to Stockley Park and plans made for repair there. Hopefully for it to be restored by December.

Apparently it's a like for like Insurance job so it should appear the same.

There has to be bridge there as TFL will only be building a two lift bridge between Platforms 4 & 3/2 and they need to get on with that, before Crossrail starts, to be DDA compliant. So as their bridge will be  where the temporary bridge is now provision has to be made to reach paltform 3 and the south car park.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: Electric train on June 30, 2017, 12:36:54
Work would need to have been done to the original bridge anyway to make it compliant for a 25kV overhead railway, with it at ground level this work could be more done sympathetically also the structure of the bridge could also have a 130 (ish) refurb which could ensure its existence for another 130 years


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: IndustryInsider on July 03, 2017, 16:57:21
Currently languishing under the arches of the viaduct at Stockley Bridge.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on February 12, 2018, 11:42:49
Latest from the NR "Community Relations Executive" regarding the reinstatement of the footbridge

Dear Sir,
 
Thank you for contacting our office regarding Taplow footbridge, at this stage, we are unable to confirm a date.
 
I have been advised by the project team that we will be engaging with the public soon to discuss the next stage. We will write to all the residents in due course.
 

..................don't hold your breath


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on February 12, 2018, 12:45:32
Latest is they are still arguing over costs and who pays, TFL will only pay for lifts between platforms 3/4 so that leaves no access to the South Carpark. This was to be provided by the old bridge until it was damaged and removed. So there would be no disabled access from the South Carpark. So the argument is should the old bridge be reinstated or should the TFL bridge be extended to Platform 1 with a lift and most important whose bucket of public money do the costs come.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: lordgoata on February 12, 2018, 15:35:27
NR won't want to pay for it, they need to save all their money to replace the OHLE like they promised in Goring Gap!  ::) ;D


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: paul7575 on February 12, 2018, 16:38:16
NR won't want to pay for it, they need to save all their money to replace the OHLE like they promised in Goring Gap!  ::) ;D

What did they actually promise on that, I can't remember.   A review, maybe?

Paul


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: lordgoata on February 13, 2018, 09:28:59
What did they actually promise on that, I can't remember.   A review, maybe?

No idea to be honest, it was obviously never going to happen so I didn't really pay much attention to it. I think there were some design proposals, some postponed/cancelled meetings, but not sure what happened since then.

Edit: And sorry TG, didn't mean to drag it off topic!


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: IndustryInsider on February 13, 2018, 10:36:57
Latest news on Goring is here: http://www.savegoringgap.org.uk/news.html


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: ChrisB on February 13, 2018, 10:45:25
That's 5 months old....


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: IndustryInsider on February 13, 2018, 13:02:25
That's 5 months old....

It's still the latest news...  ;)


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: paul7575 on February 13, 2018, 20:29:39
Latest news on Goring is here: http://www.savegoringgap.org.uk/news.html
Looking at their webpage banner, how come all those houses were allowed in an AONB?

Paul


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on April 10, 2018, 11:03:08
FYI I have asked NR for another update on the footbridge situation and will share the reply if/when I get it.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on April 10, 2018, 15:19:50
Response received.............so after 3 years, it's finally confirmed. What stood for over 125 years, NR clumsiness destroyed in an instant and will not be replacing.


"...........As you are aware in 2015 Taplow station footbridge sustained damage when it was hit by a rail construction vehicle undertaking electrification work. The damaged bridge spans were subsequently removed in July 2017 to be assessed.
 
Unfortunately, following this process it has been decided that we will not be reinstating the footbridge at Taplow station. I realise this may be disappointing for local residents and station users and I’d like to reassure you that the decision has not been taken likely.
 
As a long-planned part of the Crossrail programme, Transport for London (TfL) will shortly begin building a new passenger footbridge with two new lifts providing step-free access to platforms 2/3 and platform 4 which will be served by the Elizabeth line from December 2019.
 
We have now secured funding to extend the new footbridge to provide access to platform 1 and the car park on the southern side of the station via a staircase. The work will also create space for an additional lift to be installed in the future.
 
As a public sector organisation, we (Network Rail), have a duty to justify the money that we spend. Extending the new footbridge clearly demonstrated better value for money for the public purse, not hint terms of the initial cost of the work and the ongoing maintenance costs.
 
In the coming weeks, preparatory works to remove the remaining footbridge staircases will begin. Local residents and passengers will receive more information about the work from TfL............"
 


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: SandTEngineer on April 10, 2018, 17:31:47
I spilt my coffee when I read this bit.....
Quote
As a public sector organisation, we (Network Rail), have a duty to justify the money that we spend. Extending the new footbridge clearly demonstrated better value for money for the public purse, not hint terms of the initial cost of the work and the ongoing maintenance costs.

So when they weren't a 'public sector' organisation money didn't matter then..... ::)


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on July 11, 2019, 16:41:29
Continuing the Saga. We are now part way to having a Fourth Bridge in four years!

Span over the Reliefs installed last weekend.

Hopefully by December we'll have 3 seta of lifts as well!



Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: ellendune on July 11, 2019, 22:59:56
Response received.............so after 3 years, it's finally confirmed. What stood for over 125 years, NR clumsiness destroyed in an instant and will not be replacing.

I thought the clumsiness was on the part of their contractor not NR themselves. 


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: Surrey 455 on July 12, 2019, 09:25:51
Continuing the Saga. We are now part way to having a Fourth Bridge in four years!

At least it'll look immaculate, what with them continually repainting as soon as they've finished. ;D


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: Electric train on July 12, 2019, 18:53:24
Response received.............so after 3 years, it's finally confirmed. What stood for over 125 years, NR clumsiness destroyed in an instant and will not be replacing.

I thought the clumsiness was on the part of their contractor not NR themselves. 


The old 1887 bridge would have been difficult to make 25kV safety compliant to the ORR satisfaction; to have put in the needed screening may well have over loaded the structure.  Also Crossrail are required to make platforms accessible to all meaning a lift which would have been an interesting engineering challenge to retro fit to the 1887 bridge


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: IndustryInsider on July 12, 2019, 19:51:56
Yes, I think they may well have ended up building the new bridge anyway and then keeping the old one, possibly as without access to the island platform, but it would have been a difficult ask to modify it sympathetically, and it might have ended up looking hideous!


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: TaplowGreen on July 13, 2019, 16:04:49
Yes, I think they may well have ended up building the new bridge anyway and then keeping the old one, possibly as without access to the island platform, but it would have been a difficult ask to modify it sympathetically, and it might have ended up looking hideous!

The new one looks hideous, totally out of character with such a lovely old station  :(


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: eightf48544 on July 14, 2019, 10:59:58
The new one looks hideous, totally out of character with such a lovely old station  :(

I tend to disagree I think it's the OLE that's out of keeping not the new footbridge which  is now tucked away at the East end.


Title: Re: Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines
Post by: IndustryInsider on July 15, 2019, 10:11:55
It looks fine to me.

A modern facility with protection from the elements, a nice wide deck considering the footfall of the station, and (most importantly) lifts, which will make the station available for use by all.  For me, the biggest issue is that it will be a bit further to walk if you alight at the other end of the platform, as the original bridge was nicely positioned in the centre.



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