Crossrail

Andrew Gwilt   23/10/2017 at 19:59

Abbey Wood station looks very nice. A much better railway station that it used to be before which was shabby and horrible. The single line which goes East is a turning point so that Elizabeth Line Class 345 trains can use to switch from one track to the other and also acts as a siding which could be a future extension of the Elizabeth Line expansion so that Elizabeth Line Class 345 trains can go as far as Dartford and possibly Gravesend and with a voltage point that allows the Class 345’s to change from AC 25kv Overhead to DC 750v 3rd Rail if the Elizabeth Line may extend to Dartford and Gravesend in the future.

Melvyn   23/10/2017 at 23:18

@ A . Gwilt Class 345 trains are AC only and will provide the new sight to London of deep level tube style trains using overhead electrification instead of 3/4 rail electrification. Any extensions beyond Abbey Wood would be done using overhead electrification. However, it's a pity the design of this station was not built with both tracks extending east of the station ready for any future extension. And while Dartford has been talked about there may be a case to cross the river again to provide a new Cross River link in an area lacking Cross River links .

Andrew Gwilt   24/10/2017 at 00:54

You are right Melvin. Class 345’s will be operated on AC 25kv Overhead only. Maybe that’s why they will only operate on AC 25kv Overhead and to provide 24tph in each direction once the Elizabeth Line opens in December 2018. Which hopefully the entire route that goes beneath Central London should open in Summer 2019 instead of December 2019 if plans to open the central section earlier in 2019.

Andrew JG   24/10/2017 at 01:15

What about updating and upgrading Shenfield station in Essex since the new platform 6 has been built at Shenfield. Such as improving the station with refurbished platform surfaces on platforms 1-4, new LED clocks to replace the old clocks on platform 3 and platform 5 that needs replacing and a refurbished entrance with automatic doors. And also why not install a new pedestrian underpass that will go underneath the station and to connect with the car park on the far end of the station for easier access to get to the station much quicker instead of walking the long way round. Also a new 3 lane siding which has been built is now in use that will cater for the 9-Car Class 345’s aswell the Class 315’s.

Matrix   24/10/2017 at 07:49

Is the DLR going to be stopping there

J, Leicester   24/10/2017 at 12:03

I rode the metro in Madrid earlier this year and was surprised to see they used AC overheads with very squashed pantographs. It was quite novel - a bit like the door handles on the coaches that did absolutely nothing but which passengers would claw at whenever the train stopped! Looking forward to seeing the Elizabeth Line in operation.

Paul B   24/10/2017 at 20:04

Is it still the same at platform level? When I visited some months ago there was a fancy new canopy over the Southeastern island which covered the outbound platform nicely but, due to the curvature of the line, left London-bound platform edge exposed to the elements.

Essex Commuter   24/10/2017 at 23:18

Crossrail could do with revamping Shenfield Station since the new Platform 6 was built and can cater for 9-Car Class 345's and also has been extended for 10-Car aswell.

Disgruntled Commenter   25/10/2017 at 06:49

Andrew. We heard you the first time.

SPT   25/10/2017 at 09:45

I'm sure Simone Bailey, Asset Management Director at Greater Anglia, the leaseholder for Shenfield station would just love to discuss Gwilt/AndrewJG/EssexCommuter's ideas for the new (unfunded) station underpass for Shenfield...

Andrew JG   26/10/2017 at 11:46

Thanks SPT. I appreciate that.

Incredulous   27/10/2017 at 01:26

Andrew...think cynicism! He's not serious (read unfunded!)

Andrew JG   29/10/2017 at 00:30

I’m more excited about Abbey Wood station being rebuilt that the new Elizabeth Line platforms are due to open in December 2018. As the Southeastern platforms have reopened and has completely changed Abbey Wood station and the area around Abbey Wood. Plus with the proposal for DLR to be extended to Abbey Wood which could happen in 2020-onwards.

Kentish Maid   05/11/2017 at 17:53

It continues to disappoint me that as a Bexley resident, all plans (Greenwich Waterfront Transit) or improvement (Elizabeth line) stop at the Greenwich borough border with Bexley. Bexley is supposed to be a LONDON BOROUGH, but hardly merits any consideration. Belvedere, next rail stop on from Abbey Wood, has never been served by a night bus. I do wonder how people are going to travel on late at night. Southeastern rail services are a shambles, they will need to put on more services, rather than shut down at midnight.

Pete   25/02/2018 at 19:22

definitely needed night bus service for abbey wood area And also DLR is necessary add on in short future