Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines

[whole diary]

[eightf48544]

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^▸ (First Great Western) website but nothing obvious yet.

[TaplowGreen]

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^» (Network Rail - home page) 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! 

Shuttle bus seems a little OTT^▸ (Open Train Times website, or possibly 'over the top', depending on context), 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.

[TaplowGreen]

.........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.

[Western Enterprise]

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...?

[TaplowGreen]

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?

[Electric train]

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^» (Network Rail - home page) just don't work that way.

I notice in an earlier post by eightf48544 that Balfour Beatty were mentioned well they are the OLE^▸ (Overhead Line Equipment, more often "OHLE") contractor ......... also    (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^▸ (Continuously Welded Rail) on concrete sleepers

[eightf48544]

AIUI^▸ ('as I understand it'), 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.

[eightf48544]

Haven't managed to get to the station has it reopened yet?

[TaplowGreen]

Nope still closed with tatty bits of paper attached in various places advising people.

[eightf48544]

Still closed today!

[TaplowGreen]

I wouldn't hold your breath!

[TaplowGreen]

Building a Greater West by hitting 130 year old bridges with our cranes!!! 

[TaplowGreen]

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^» (Network Rail - home page) 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!!!

[TaplowGreen]

.....had a response from NR^» (Network Rail - home page) 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.........

[TaplowGreen]

Finally had a response from Network Rail............referring me to Crossrail