Pilning - the station, services, viability and closure of down platform - ongoing discussion

[whole diary]

[The Tall Controller]

Any questions to GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) on the SLC^▸ (Service Level Commitment) will probably be countered with ticket sale information.

I suspect they'd state that no one was making the return journey. With just 68 recorded journeys last year...

I'd just hope that the proper legal derogation of thr SLC has been obtained. Pilning may be a special case, but if a TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company) is allowed to vary SLC arbitrarily, this case could be the thin end of the wedge.

Not really a case of GWR being allowed to vary SLC. Rather GWR being effectively forced to. 

This. Network Rail have imposed this change upon GWR by removing the footbridge (NR^» (Network Rail - home page) property) and choosing not to replace it.

Customers may also return from Bristol to Severn Beach (New easement along with via STJ^▸ (Severn Tunnel Junction railway station)) so travelling Pilnonians still have plenty of options.

[Bmblbzzz]

Plenty of options but still few trains. Unless tickets to Pilning are now valid on all trains to Severn Beach?

[The Tall Controller]

Pilning return tickets are valid to Severn Beach from Bristol on all trains as I understand.

[Sprog]

FYI^▸ (for your information) - Pilning footbridge appears to have been gas-axed during the weekend  ...only half of the stair structures still standing when I passed today @ approx 1630. Couldnt take a photo as up the front & had lost the light on the way back.

Assume the rest will dissapear over the next few nights.

[Chris from Nailsea]

Thanks for posting, Sprog: I've simply added your update observation to our ongoing discussion here. 

[Kernow Otter]

FYI^▸ (for your information) - Pilning footbridge appears to have been gas-axed during the weekend  ...only half of the stair structures still standing when I passed today @ approx 1630. Couldnt take a photo as up the front & had lost the light on the way back.

Assume the rest will dissapear over the next few nights.

Shame, we are after a footbridge.....!

Seriously though, it does make me wonder if there is any mileage in relocating and refurbishing disused/ unwanted footbridges, or if the logistical challenges force it into the 'too difficult box' ?

[Sprog]

The one at Patchway may be a good candidate..it was redecked and refurbished several years ago but I cant imagine it surviving the electrification - may get a footbridge like Stapleton road. May be worth makong some serious enquires before they cut that up aswell!

[Red Squirrel]

Well now, you could have a word with the GWSR - they are currently rebuilding the old Henley-in-Arden footbridge at Broadway. See here, for example: http://broadwaystationgroup.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/finishing-off-few-jobs.html

[grahame]

FYI^▸ (for your information) - Pilning footbridge appears to have been gas-axed during the weekend  ...only half of the stair structures still standing when I passed today @ approx 1630. Couldnt take a photo as up the front & had lost the light on the way back.

Assume the rest will dissapear over the next few nights.

Shame, we are after a footbridge.....!

Seriously though, it does make me wonder if there is any mileage in relocating and refurbishing disused/ unwanted footbridges, or if the logistical challenges force it into the 'too difficult box' ?

There's a couple of reports I found based on the idea - not sure how far they got / where it went.

From Herald Scotland

A SCOTTISH railway station's historic footbridge is to be relocated 80 miles to a heritage site it was revealed yesterday.

Dunblane Railway Station's C-Listed Victorian footbridge is to be removed as part of a planned £3.5 million revamp in time for the Ryder Cup which takes place at nearby Gleneagles next year.

Now Network Rail is seeking permission to take apart the Grade II listed footbridge and reuse it at another site.

And from the St Austell Voice

In its application Network Rail said an expression of serious intent had been received to relocate the footbridge for reuse at a new station on a heritage railway.

Network Rail has submitted a planning application to replace a 20th century ramped 'blue bridge' at the station. But in order to install its replacement, the company says the 165-year-old station's old footbridge must also be moved.

Also reports / a suggestion of relocating a bridge that is / was at St Erth.

If you're looking for one for Lostwithiel, I suspect you'll have the best chance if you find one which (a) is in known (and reasonable condition and (b) who's removal from its original site doesn't involve a controversial closure of facilities which the bridge serves.

[Kempis]

FYI^▸ (for your information) - Pilning footbridge appears to have been gas-axed during the weekend  ...only half of the stair structures still standing when I passed today @ approx 1630. Couldnt take a photo as up the front & had lost the light on the way back.

Here is a photo, taken on the afternoon of Sunday 6 November:

[Chris from Nailsea]

Thanks for posting that pictorial record here, Kempis. 

[grahame]

A year on ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDqz-KLH_2E

[grahame]

FYI^▸ (for your information) - Pilning footbridge appears to have been gas-axed during the weekend  ...only half of the stair structures still standing when I passed today @ approx 1630. Couldnt take a photo as up the front & had lost the light on the way back.

Assume the rest will dissapear over the next few nights.

A year on ... and a FOI^▸ (Freedom of Information) request has revealed the cost of these demolition works, and estimates of what the costs would have been to replace the bridge, to provide a DDA^» (Disability Discrimination Act - about) compliant bridge, and of associated works.   FOI is a wonderful way of learning after the event - though this one dates from December 2016 and so wan't all that long after the event, though  have only just been sent a copy

Reference number: FOI2016/01263

1) What saving do Network Rail estimate to the electrification budget as a result of not replacing the bridge at Pilning?

I can advise that by not replacing the footbridge at Pilning, the Electrification Programme is able to reallocate £658,000 to other projects, such as Patchway Station footbridge.

2) How much it would cost to replace it like for like?

If the footbridge had been built, the estimated cost of a stepped replacement was estimated at £1,064,000.

3) How much it would cost to build a 'disability compliant' (accessible) bridge?

A detailed survey has not been undertaken to ascertain the cost of a Disability Discrimination Acts (DDA) compliant footbridge as no funding is available to undertake this work. However, experience has shown us that similar accessible structures cost in the region of £2m.

4) How much would Network Rail charge to carry out all aspects of the GRIP^▸ (Guide to Railway Investment Projects) process to enable a new bridge and services?

In order to assess the costs of installing a new bridge at Pilning Station, a full station survey would need to be carried out to assess the volume of works required. We have considered other stations/footbridges within the Greater West Programme and would estimate this to be in the region of £3-5m, depending on the alterations to platforms and any other works that would be required at the station (i.e. lighting/fencing)

No questions in this FOI request about the decision processes under which the decision to change the station such that only the one (Bristol bound) platform remains in operational use for passengers.

[Bmblbzzz]

It seems crazy that it would cost £2m to build a footbridge. And stupid that full GRIP^▸ (Guide to Railway Investment Projects) could more than double that cost.

[Western Pathfinder]

Far better to put that sort of money,towards the scheme for SEWWEB ,and the replacement station at Pilning Westgate.😁