The Anonymous Widower

West Anglia Route Improvement – A Level Crossing Replacement Station

We have lots of level crossings in the UK and they are dangerous, hated by drivers of vehicles and trains, and cause all sorts of problems.

When I was writing Works Around Coppermill Junction And Along The West Anglia Main Line, I realised that the West Anglia Main Line has four major level crossings, all of which are at stations.

• Northumberland Park
• Brimsdown
• Enfield Lock
• Cheshunt

I’ve also since found that Ponders End used to have a level crossing.

As an example, I’ll consider Enfield Lock station, which needs updating for Crossrail 2.

This is a Google Map of the station.

To update the station for Crossrail 2, the following must be provided.

• Two extra tracks through the station.. They will probably be to the East of the current tracks.
• Two twelve car platforms for the current tracks, with step-free access to all trains that will call at the station for wheelchairs, buggies and those past their best.
• Network Rail have said that the level crossing at the station will be closed.
• New station buildings, as the current ones will be demolished for the new tracks.
• Full step-free access.

In additions, these features would be welcome.

• Access from both sides of the tracks.
• Why not access from both sides of the road?
• Ability for pedestrians, cyclists and those in wheelchairs to easily cross the tracks.
• Kiosks accessible to both platforms.

No facilities are needed on the fast lines, except possibly acoustic fences.

Perhaps the solution is to close the level crossing and put a wide pedestrian and cycling underpass under the railway.

It would be of a similar width as the road, accessed by gentle slopes and landscaped to blend in with the surroundings.

The underpass would contain.

• The booking hall, with perhaps a counter and ticket machines.
• Secure bicycle parking.
• A warm waiting room, that would mean passengers don’t have to wait in the cold in the winter.
• Kiosks and possibly a cafe.
• Lifts and steps to both platforms.
• Is there enough space at the top of the slopes for a simple Kiss-And-Ride?

The level crossing has been replaced with a fully-accessible modern station.

I don’t think the idea is truly original, as I might have seen a station like this somewhere in Europe, possibly in the Netherlands or Germany.

Where Would Such A Station Be Built?

But, I do think the concept may have advantages in some situations, where perhaps some of these reasons apply.

• The level crossing is heavily used by pedestrian and cyclists.
• The level crossing crosses a large number of railway tracks.
• Would removing the level crossing allow a needed increase in passenger or freight services?
• The railway line is very busy and the crossing spends a lot of time closed.
• There is no space for a bridge.
• A station is needed in the area.
• Heritage issues might rule out a conventional station with a step-free footbridge.
• It’s reasonably easy to dig the underpass.

I think that a prerequisite is that there must be a reasonable diversion for vehicles.

After my observations today, Brimsdown could be a prime candidate.

• Two new lines are being added through the station.
• It is very busy with trains and in a few years time could have forty trains per hour.
• The site has little space.
• A bridge for vehicles is impossible, but there is an alternative route.

Network Rail and Enfield Council certainly need an innovative solution to remove this level crossing.

A Modular System

I also believe that a factory-built modular system could be designed, which would enable these stations to be installed quickly.

Get the design right and it might also find applications, where no level crossing exists, but good pedestrian and cycling access is needed across a railway, where a new station is also needed.

February 21, 2017 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Stations, Trains