The Anonymous Widower

Could A Platform Or Platforms Be Added To The High Meads Loop To Improve Connectivity At Stratford?

This Google Map shows Stratford International station..

The main station is obvious, but note the Stratford International DLR station to the North on the other side of Interbational Way.

• From the DLR station the tracks curve Southwards and cross the High Speed tracks towards St. Pancras.
• Alongside these tracks is the double-track High Meads Loop.
• On the Northern side of the DLR station, the loop enters a tunnel to connect the tracks to Lea Bridge and Tottenham Hale stations.
• At the Southern end, the loop connects to the tracks that go through platforms 11 and 12 of the domestic Stratford station, before joining with the other side of the High Meads Loop at Temple Meads East Junction to go North.
• Platform 11 would handle trains going clockwise round the loop and Platform 12 those going anti-clockwise.

This map from carto.metro.free.fr shows the track layout in detail.

The loop has been used in the past to turn Stansted Expresses that ran to Stratford, where they called in Platform 12. The signs are still there, as this picture, which was taken at the Eastern end of the Overground plstforms 1 and 2, shows.

The capacity of the loop must be quite large.

• A similar single-track loop under Liverpool handles as many as fourteen trains per hour (tph).
• The double-track loop could probably handle upwards of sixteen tph.

The following is also planned, is happening or could happen.

• Crossrail should open in 2019 giving a direct connection between Stratford and Heathrow via Paddington, the West End and Liverpool Street.
• Four tph will run between Stratford and Meridian Water stations.
• A Stansted Express service between Stansted and Stratford could be reintroduced.
• Liverpool Street is getting increasingly crowded.
• London Overground might  run services between Stratford and the Lea Valley.

Utilising the capacity of the existing High Meads Loop would probably be an easier option, than expanding Liverpool Street.

I arrived at Stratford International DLR station today and after using the Western entrance, I took these pictures.

The High Meads Loop is not that far from the DLR station and there would appear to be scope to create at least one platform.

This Google Map shows the Western end of the DLR station and the High Meads Loop.

I think there is scope in the area to create a link between the three stations at the Western end of the DLR station, which is the building with the blue roof.

It could also be a better walking route to the Internation station, as you won’t have to fight your way through Eastfields.

Conclusion

I think it will be tricky, but a better interchange will be created.

October 29, 2018 Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Docklands Light Railway, High Meads Loop, Stratford International Station, Stratford Station | 3 Comments