Taplow Station Footbridge Closed over Main Lines

[whole diary]

[TaplowGreen]

"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?

[IndustryInsider]

"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

[TaplowGreen]

"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

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.

[eightf48544]

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.   

[TaplowGreen]

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?

[IndustryInsider]

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!   

[eightf48544]

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.

[TaplowGreen]

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?

[TaplowGreen]

............not much of an update from GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) 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
 
 

[bobm]

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^» (Network Rail - home page) is responsible for fixing it?

[TaplowGreen]

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^» (Network Rail - home page) is responsible for fixing it?

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

[TaplowGreen]

.............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? 

[eightf48544]

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^▸ (Transport for London)) would have had to build a 3 lift bridge to give full access to the South side.

[eightf48544]

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."

[TaplowGreen]

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^▸ (Transport for London)) 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.