Why I Went To Redhill
My trip to Redhill this morning had two purposes.
Although, I was interested to see the recent Platform 0 works, the main purpose was to get a feel of the town for a US Corporate Lawyer, who helps companies set up bases in the UK. Redhill was the subject of my visit, as one of his clients wants to set up a base near to an Airport with myriad links to Europe.
The town appears to fit the bill in this case.
Platform 0 At Redhill Station Is Now Open
I took these pictures at Redhill station and in the town of Redhill today.
Note.
- Platform 0 at Redhill station is very long, Could it accept two eight-car Class 700 trains working as a pair?
- Platform 0 has four train information displays.
- Platform 1B is used to reverse Great Western Railway’s Class 165 trains, that run between Reading and Gatwick Airport stations.
- Platform 1 appears to be fully-electrified.
When finished, it would appear that Platform 0 like all Platforms at Redhill station will have full step-free access.
Conclusion
It looks to me, that the works at Redhill station have done a good job in future-proofing the station for any operations, that train companies might propose.
- Platform 0 seems to have been built for the longest possible trains that might use the route.
- Platform 1 seems to have been rebuilt into a long bay platform, that would accept an eight-car train on Reading-Gatwick services.
- Platform 1 is electrified, so that it could be used efficiently by a bi-mode train or one with batteries.
I would expect to see changes to Redhill services in the next few years.
The Anonymous Widower 