From today (24 July) until 15 August, the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines are closed between Edgware Road and Hammersmith due to upgrade works at Paddington (Hammersmith & City line) station.
At Paddington station, there is a disused taxi rank and canopy above the Hammersmith & City line platforms that need to be demolished and because it is so close to the line, it means the section between Hammersmith and Edgware Road will have to be closed for these works to be carried out.
As well as this, London Underground will be carrying out additional work on this section including platform extension works on some of the stations to allow the forthcoming S stock trains to operate, the installation of energy efficient conductor rails and track replacement and drainage works.
As a result of this closure, train services will run as follows:
- On the Hammersmith & City line, trains will run between Edgware Road and Whitechapel
- On the Circle line, trains will be running the old route i.e. operate as the original Circle line
Replacement bus services between Hammersmith and Paddington will be operating during the closure calling at all stations except Wood Lane where passengers are advised to use White City station on the Central line instead.
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London Underground are working very hard to delivery the S stock on the first sub surface line, the Metropolitan line. As well as various platform extension works at key stations such as Baker Street, new stop signs have been mounted at various stations. This one was taken at Preston Road station.
Notice the sign says ‘S8′? That is because the Metropolitan line will be receiving S8 stock – the eight meaning that the Metropolitan line S stock will consist of eight cars. The rest of the sub surface lines – the Circle, District and Hammersmith & City will be receiving S7 stock – seven car S stock trains.
We look forward in seeing the gradual introduction of the S8 stock operating on the Metropolitan line as it will receive air conditioning trains! But at the same time, it will be sad to see the old A60 stock trains disappear from the line – but with it running for 50 years, it seems that it is time to let the stock go.
More coverage will be coming soon as the S stock comes into operation.
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Things are happening rather quickly! It looks like the days of the Class 313 trains has come to an end as very recently, the new Class 378 trains are now in operation on the Watford to Euston line of London Overground – the last line to receive the new trains. They are also running their full length of four cars. I managed to take a few shots of the new trains at Queen’s Park station one evening.
1. A new class 378 train arrives at Queen’s Park station heading towards Euston.
2. The back of the train – it is very nice to see the arrival at long last!
It means that the Class 378 trains are now running on all routes – the North London line, West London line, East London line and now the Watford to Euston line. The Gospel Oak to Barking line will be receiving slightly different trains since the line is not electrified. A few of the new Class 172 trains are parked up at Willesden Depot in preparation to replace the current Class 150 fleet that is running on this portion of line at present (it is reported at one Class 172 train is in operation, although it has not been seen in service).
Station works are progressing well on the Watford to Euston line with Watford High Street, Headstone Lane and Kilburn High Road stations being the first to receive new signage. We expect more to follow in the next few months and will be giving you up to date coverage in future blogs.
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As many of you know, southbound Metropolitan line through trains to Aldgate have not been stopping at Baker Street. So what has been happening during the closure? Here are a few shots taken from a passing train.
1. A lot of materials on the side but in front (at the bottom of the image) is the construction of new platform brought more north of the station.
2. The concrete has been allowed to set at the extended platforms – there is still a gap waiting to be filled.
These photos were taken about three days ago, so by the time I write this blog, the extended platform should have been completed as platforms 3 and 4 will reopen on 24 July (Saturday). There will be a future visit to see the completed work!
This is all part of the introduction of the new S stock trains that will be introduced to the Metropolitan line later this year.
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Transport for London and National Rail have announced that there will be no engineering works during the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
It has been agreed that there would be no planned closures on London Underground, London Overground, DLR, Tramlink and National Rail for 10 days before and after the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. In addition, there will be minimal closures before the events. This will allow visitors experience in London a good one and maximise transport services particularly at weekends.
A lot of work has gone into preparing for the Olympics and many projects have been completed including longer trains on the DLR and better and improved services on London Overground. In addition, a lot of Tube stations have been or nearly completed including Wembley Park, Green Park and Southfields which recently became a step free access station with the opening of new lifts.
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said:
I want London to be the best big city on earth and we look forward to welcoming the world in summer 2012.
Alongside the Games themselves, there will be a feast of fun and festivities and while it certainly will be ‘business as unusual’, we want to do all we can to ensure people can get around on the Tube and trains as easily, reliably and efficiently as possible.
The proposed dates in which engineering work will cease during normal operation is from 17 July 2012 until 14 September 2012. There will still be overnight engineering work, but there will be no planned station closures.
National Rail have made plans to ensure that engineering works are suspended during this time.
Peter Hendy, London’s Transport Commissioner, said:
We’re looking forward to helping London deliver a fantastic Games and summer in 2012.
We want to show that London is a city that works, and enable all Londoners and visitors to enjoy it to the full.
That’s why we’re suspending our engineering upgrade works just prior to the start of the London 2012 Olympics until the conclusion of the Games.
We’re also on track to deliver all our 2012 transport upgrades and projects well ahead of the Games, including improvements to the Tube, the upgrade of the North London Line, the re-opening of the extended East London Line and the DLR extension to Stratford International.
Robin Gisby, Network Rail’s Director of Operations and Customer Services, said:
With an estimated 500,000 spectators from across the UK and overseas travelling to and from Games venues each day, Network Rail will play an important role in delivering the first ‘public transport’ Games.
By re-phasing our work during 2012 we’ve been able to provide a clear window around the Olympics, opening opportunities for trains to run later and more often.
Together with rapid response teams on the ground at key locations to fix any problems should they occur, this is another sign that with two years to go London is well on its way to being ready.
In detail, the key 2012 transport projects include:
- Upgrade to Stratford Regional Station – the major transport hub for the Olympics which will be capable of accommodating 120,000 passengers and allow over 200 trains to serve the station during the games.
- Upgrade to the Jubilee line to serve Wembley Stadium, the Olympic Park and Canning Town with connection to the DLR – at 5,000 passengers an hour.
- The DLR extension to Stratford International and London City Airport and Woolwich Arsenal – an important travel link
- The introduction of 55 new carriages on the DLR to increase capacity by 50 percent.
- The upgrade of the North London line and the opening of the extension to the East London line in the north forming an orbital route around London.
- Expansion and modernisation of stations including King’s Cross, Wembley Park, West Ham and Canning Town.
- Step free access at Green Park and Southfields tube stations for Olympic events in Hyde Park and tennis events at Wimbledon.
- The introduction of 54 air conditioned trains on the London Overground
- Improvements to Tower Pier including facilities, capacity and accessibility.
- Improvements to cycling and walking networks in particular, around the Olympic Park.
It is looking good and proving a lot that the London transport network will be ready for visitors use in 2012.
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By
David Lew,
20 July 2010 in
Transport | tags:
boris johnson,
canning town,
dlr,
docklands light railway,
east london line,
green park,
jubilee line,
king's cross,
london 2012 olympics,
london overground,
london underground,
mayor of london,
national rail,
north london line,
southfields,
stratford,
tramlink,
transport for london,
wembley park,
west ham |
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As part of the Mayor of London’s cycling flagship schemes, two new cycle superhighway routes have been launched this summer making it easier for Londoners to commute to work by bicycle.
With the help of Transport for London and Barclays, the first two Barclays Cycle Superhighways are opened today and is aimed at encouraging Londoners to take a bike to commute. The two pilot routes run from Merton to the City via the A24 and A3, and Barking to Tower Gateway via A13 and Cable Street.
About 5,000 cycle journeys alone are made on these two routes and with the launch of these superhighways, it is hoped that this will increase to about 27,000 cycle journeys a day by 2013.
The two cycle superhighways are marked in blue of 1.5 metres wide and also include along the route…
- 37 cycle safety mirrors (Trixi) at various junctions that gives drivers of large vehicles better visibility of cyclists especially when turning left.
- 84 new advanced stop lines at least 5 metres deep allowing space for cyclists to stop at lights ahead of traffic
- New segregate cycle lanes at various junctions including the Stockwell Gyratory and improvements to be made at Elephant and Castle by pass, Southwark Bridge, Cable Street and the A13.
- Re-aligning traffic and bus lanes to create more space for cyclists along busy sections of road.
Transport for London has provided funding for the eight boroughs who serve these two routes to use for 5,000 cycle parking spaces (in addition to the 300 have already been provided by Transport for London), over 17,000 hours of cycle training and more than 3,000 hours of cycle maintenance sessions.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said:
You have got to have a powerful and visible statement on the roads that asserts to every Londoner, whether on two wheels or four, that the Capital is a cycling city.
The road space is there for everyone and I am confident that our superhighways will help switch legions of Londoners on to the pleasures of a pedal-powered commute.
Alongside Barclays Cycle Hire, these radial routes are set to transform our great city into one where cycling is the first choice for many thousands of Londoners.
As well as being good for your health and wallet, encouraging more people to commute to work by bike will in turn help us improve air quality, cut carbon emissions and reduce congestion on the transport network.
Cathy Turner, Barclays Human Resources Director said
We are delighted that the first two Barclays Cycle Superhighways are now up and running and we look forward to seeing thousands of Londoners use them every day.
Together with Barclays Cycle Hire, Londoners and visitors to the Capital will now have more transport options that are both environmentally friendly and a healthy means of getting around the Capital, and we are confident that they will have a lasting positive impact on London and the lives of Londoners.
David Brown, the Managing Director of Surface Transport at TfL, said:
While the most visible aspect of this flagship cycling scheme is the introduction of blue cycle lanes, TfL has made significant improvements to the infrastructure for cyclists along both routes to make it safer and easier to commute by bike.
Through cycle superhighways funding, we will deliver around 5,000 new cycle parking spaces, over 17,000 hours of cycle training and 3,000 hours of cycle maintenance in partnership with local boroughs and businesses along the routes, thereby improving access to cycling for all.
Transport for London will be assessing the two pilot routes before introducing ten more. In total, there will be 12 cycle superhighways. The next two routes will be launch in 2011 and run from Bow to Aldgate and Wandsworth to Westminster.
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The last time we visited the Central line platforms of Notting Hill Gate, the white tiling had been put up and the framework for the cabling was installed. Finally, the platforms are getting their signage! Here is the latest gallery…
1. The brand new roundel at Notting Hill Gate on the Central line
2. The new trackside signs, the text is slightly smaller on these new signs
3. The brand new Central line friezes are appearing on the platforms
4. There is even a new frieze for the interchange to the District and Circle lines
5. The framework for the cables are not quite covered up yet
6. On the trackside, the walls have had a clean up and new plastering has taken shape. The walls need painting
7. Here is a view of the platform looking westbound – some tiling still needed at the end of the platform
8. This section shows evidence of the platform extensions that took place historically
9. A new Way Out sign has been installed
10. And finally, new seating has been fitted at the platforms
Looks like the works are nearly complete. We will continue to update you on the progress works of this station until it is all complete!
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At Harrow & Wealdstone station, it is nice to know where the lifts are, but where’s the way out? I had to look very hard to find this one out!
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A brand new timetable was introduced to the Docklands Light Railway on Monday (12 July) that has increased capacity in the morning peak to 11 per cent. This means more trains will be running more often as part of the £325m upgrade programme.
Improvements have been seen with the introduction of three car trains on the Bank to Lewisham route adding 50 percent capacity on this busy route.
The 11 percent increase in the morning peak means that there are now 15 trains per hour running compared to just 13.3 trains per hour in the old timetable. This means an extra 1,100 passengers per hour. In addition to this, there is an 11 percent increase in the evening peak on the Stratford to Lewisham branch meaning 10 trains per hour and an extra 490 passengers per hour.
In detail, the changes to frequencies are as follows:
- Morning peak services between Canary Wharf and Lewisham is operating a combined 20 trains per hour compared to 22 trains per hour, but there is an 25 percent increase in capacity since the introduction of three car trains in February.
- The Bank to Lewisham route has been increased from 13.3 to 15 trains per hour.
- Stratford to Lewisham frequency has been reduced from 8.9 to 5 trains per hour, however, the 11 percent increase means that the Stratford to Canary Wharf section has been increased from 8.9 to 10 trains per hour.
- The evening peak timetable remains unaltered, although all Stratford trains will be terminating at Canary Wharf instead of Lewisham to meet current demand on the Canary Wharf to Lewisham section.
- Midday off peak services between Stratford to Canary Wharf have been reduced from every five to every seven minutes.
Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor’s transport adviser, said:
Increasing the capacity of the DLR is vital ahead of the 2012 Games when it will play a key role in getting people to the venues.
Delivering these improvements now is a good example of the Mayor’s commitment to delivering the legacy of the Games early for people who live and work along the route of the DLR.
Jonathan Fox, the Director of the DLR said:
We are pleased to be able to deliver this service improvement to our passengers.
This is the second network capacity improvement step following on from our upgrade programme and there will be more to come as our passenger numbers continue to increase.
Passengers will see increasing benefits delivered by our upgrade and new carriages.
Again I’d like to thank them for their patience and cooperation during the last three years.
The three car train upgrade programme will 55 new carriages being introduced by 2012. Currently, construction work is taking place on all of the other parts of the DLR – most particularly the Beckton branch with Custom House, Prince Regent and Beckton stations getting platform extensions.
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It is on the analog clock of course! Unless, you are trying to find out on the digital clock behind it!
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Sunday 18 July 2010 
Tuesday 13 July 2010 
Sunday 11 July 2010 
