Network Rail Strike Again

[whole diary]

[Andy W]

http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/10222924.Henwick_Road_blocked/?ref=twtrec

Utterly useless shower

Complete dog's breakfast yesterday as well as last week's pantomine.

[LiskeardRich]

talking of inappropriate pictures, looks like a traffic light to me

[inspector_blakey]

Utterly useless shower

Although presumably given that the crossing is designed to fail-safe with the barriers in the down position, not a 'shower' that would affect the train service too badly?

Of course it's not ideal, but the equipment did what it was designed to do in the circumstances: I have no idea of the geography of the area but are there really no alternative routes for motorists? Unfortunately NR^» (Network Rail - home page) can't afford to have an S&T^▸ (Signalling and Telegraph) technician on standby at every level crossing and signal, particularly given the pressure post-McNulty to cut costs.

[Andy W]

Utterly useless shower

Although presumably given that the crossing is designed to fail-safe with the barriers in the down position, not a 'shower' that would affect the train service too badly?

Of course it's not ideal, but the equipment did what it was designed to do in the circumstances: I have no idea of the geography of the area but are there really no alternative routes for motorists? Unfortunately NR^» (Network Rail - home page) can't afford to have an S&T^▸ (Signalling and Telegraph) technician on standby at every level crossing and signal, particularly given the pressure post-McNulty to cut costs.

One problem is unfortunate like last week. Yesterday was a major problem - three indicates inadequate maintenance. I'm sure this is acceptable within the industry - look at the problems into / out of Paddington recently shows a company that does not achieve anything like acceptable standards to the rest of the community.
If Network Rail kit fails why on earth should the motorist be inconvenienced? Geography is irrelevant.

[Electric train]

If Network Rail kit fails why on earth should the motorist be inconvenienced? Geography is irrelevant.

And why should Network Rail be inconvenienced when a motorist decides to jump or even crash through level crossing barriers or when a high sided lorry hits a bridge, like you say geography is irrelevant.

The incident outside London before Christmas I have seen the report on this the route cause may well be down to negligence by a contractor (cannot say more for obvious reasons)

[Andy W]

And why should Network Rail be inconvenienced when a motorist decides to jump or even crash through level crossing barriers or when a high sided lorry hits a bridge, like you say geography is irrelevant.

When a motorist crashes into a bridge / crossing barrier they are breaking the law and can be successfully prosecuted. Network Rail close a road as a matter of proceedure because their equipment is faulty favouring the railway over the road. I have a lot of sympathy for problems that Network Rail have in terms of cable theft / suicides etc but there has been no demonstrable investment in the Worcester area for years. In fact the infrastructure was pilaged in the 70's by the railway authorities (the same people who have morphed into Network Rail)

Also AIUI^▸ ('as I understand it') track from Norton - Pershore is currently being replaced & rather than site it ready for re-doubling it is being laid in such a way that it would have to be re-laid when / if re-doubling ever occurs. This really disappoints me.

The incident outside London before Christmas I have seen the report on this the route cause may well be down to negligence by a contractor (cannot say more for obvious reasons)

Network Rail are ultimately responsible for appointing a contractor & should there be any problems you cannot simply abdicate responsibilty.

[martvw]

I agree with Andy you would have thought that a bit of planning for the return of two tracks between Pershore and Worcester could have been posible. Worcesters rail network always seems to get as little as posible spent on it. No wonder there is trouble with outside toilets! sorry line side equipment .

[John R]

Remember that where lines have been redoubled (North Cotswolds and now starting on South Cotswolds) it takes several months of work to get to a point where the existing line can be slewed into a position compatible with a restored dual track formation. So it's not as easy (or cheap) as just relaying on a slightly different alignment.

I presume that by singling onto a central formation, maintenance on the shoulders of the track formation is reduced, and over time (40 years or so) this results in significant deterioration.

[IndustryInsider]

I agree with Andy you would have thought that a bit of planning for the return of two tracks between Pershore and Worcester could have been posible.

I agree to a certain extent as well, though I think it's fair to point out that the section of track in question is quite awkward in that it is on a slightly elevated section with fairly difficult access, so if that track had been moved I would have thought some embankment strengthening would also have been needed.  Also, for the majority of the mile of track that was replaced the original track was slewed to one side with room for a second track, in other areas there is a small amount of lineside equipment that would have needed moving - nothing too major but it would have added to the cost.  The section that would need moving is around the point where it crosses the B4084.

It will appear a little short-sighted should Norton to Evesham redoubling suddenly jump up the NR^» (Network Rail - home page) pecking order, but, if I suspect, it'll be at least ten years before it happens then perhaps it's understandable, if a little regrettable.

[ellendune]

I did not think it was that difficult to slew track over.  You do not have to lift it and relay it surely.  So delaying the move until needed and when the inevitable embankment strengthening (aka 50 years back maintenance on earthworks) is complete.  Now if they were resignalling and putting the new cable runs and equipment cabinets in the way that might be different.