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Post by BecsFaversham on May 30, 2008 6:37:57 GMT
In our local paper it says that Faversham station is to be completely overhalled. Upgraded, longer platforms etc.
My concern is how they are going to undetake such significant work without affecting the day to day running of the station. Some of the work even sounds like they may have to close it for a period. Can they do that?
The other alternative to to say do one platform at a time and close the other. This will cause all sorts of timetable issues as Faversham is such an important interchange.
Does anyone know any more about this project?
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Post by jumpedup on May 30, 2008 9:56:28 GMT
My understanding is that they want to improve the flexibility of the station which will involve lengthening some platforms and relaying some of the tracks (which will allow trains to enter and leave in both directions on more platforms). You can't enter platform one from the Sittingbourne side, for example (I think!).
When Faversham becomes a main terminus (for the off-peak HS1 services) they will need this flexibility.
I had read (though I haven't seen the article this week -which paper is it in, Times or News) that there would need to be a 'blockade' of Faversham sometime in 2010 to do the major track work. Presumably there would be buses to/from Whitstable, Canterbury etc. during that period. I'm not clear whether the station will be blockaded on the other side (i.e. requiring buses to Sittingbourne for a period).
Maybe when they do it they'll sort out the leaking roof at the bottom of the ramp to the underpass on the town side!
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Post by trainplanner on Jun 1, 2008 22:48:07 GMT
Becs Of Faversham and jumpedup, i too saw the article and like you i cannot remember the paper, however through a contact i have i can suggest that you're probably right in the guesses your making as to the changes required at faversham.
it is also believed that the leaky roof is likely to be repaired and yes the track is likely to see significant changes, and it will require a blockade. the options are probably either two seperate blockades doing half the station each, and a series of weekend closures to test and commission the signals, or a possiblity of an extended blockade around bank holidays/christmas/new year to get it all done in one hit. single line working may be used at night to allow works to install new signals to be installed.
However whilst it may be in the press, until you see changes on the ground, don't hold your breath, as rumours suggest this is a £400 million pound scheme, and Network Rail, as per the latest review of government funding available to them, may not have all the money required....
Regards
TP
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Post by heofgreatwisdom on Jun 2, 2008 9:05:55 GMT
Dear TP; Tell me that you have made an error on your figure of £400 million for Faversham else I may have no breath to hold!!
regards HOGW
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Post by O.V.S.Bulleid on Jun 2, 2008 12:54:18 GMT
Dear HOGW
I believe that £400m might be the cost of the whole East Kent resignalling - but somebody will correct me I expect.
As I understand it the station platforms no longer meet Notwork Rail's Group Standards for holding 12 car trains so platform 1 will be moved to occupy some of the space currently taken by the present loop nearest the car park. The platforms will then be slightly extended towards the junction.
The track layout will be significantly revised to allow reversible working at all platforms. The reason for this is to allow flexibility when the ChavLine services start operating as they will now terminate and start back at Faversham.
Faversham will also become one of two depots for the new service along with Ramsgate and new berthing sidings will be constructed on the down side where the old goods yard once was.
With such a mamouth task there will be a blockade and a 10 day period is being sought. In this the smart money is on a total closure at Christmas/New Year 2009 when the calendar best fits the requirements. Being that many people are away from work between Christmas Eve and 2nd January 2010 this is probably the best option. Of course recent history suggests that the service will be returned for public use by Easter.
Yours sincerely
O.V.S.Bulleid
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Post by trainplanner on Jun 2, 2008 16:10:18 GMT
Dear Sirs, £400m is the expected cost for resignalling with 4 aspects between sittingbourne and faversham and margate and ramsgate, with three aspects inbetween the two, some platform works and new cross overs for turnback purposes. Wasn't aware of the sidings going in at faversham, inital thoughts were ECS from Faversham to ramsgate to dedicated depot for clean and maintence to keep the fleet perfect...
OVS is correct in his statements of what is happening in many of the other places....
Regards
TP
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