Passing loop at Carrick on Shannon

n97 mini · 21-08-2013 10:22am #1

Anyone know the reason why when the passing loop was re-instated here that it was put outside the station, and not in the station where the old loop was and where there access to platforms for waiting trains?

goingnowhere · 21-08-2013 10:23am

Avoids need to spend a fortune on wheelchair accessible upgrades and rebuilding both platforms to modern standards

Temp101 · 21-08-2013 12:24pm

Plus, the timetable envisaged didn't anticipate regular crossings at Carrick.

LXFlyer · 21-08-2013 1:35pm

Carrick loop is only used very rarely - once a week on Sundays, and when specials/per way trains operate.

Losty Dublin · 21-08-2013 1:50pm

goingnowhere wrote: »

Avoids need to spend a fortune on wheelchair accessible upgrades and rebuilding both platforms to modern standards

The site of the station actually hasn't got enough room for an adequate passing loop when the line was resignaled and relaid.

n97 mini · 21-08-2013 4:48pm

Losty Dublin wrote: »

The site of the station actually hasn't got enough room for an adequate passing loop when the line was resignaled and relaid.

Not so sure about that. It all looks the same.

I noticed this as I was there when seeing someone off on the Dubln train and collecting someone off the Dublin train at the same time. Struck me as unusual that if the train from Dublin was late the train to Dublin would have to wait just short of the platform, keeping passengers captive.

LXFlyer · 21-08-2013 5:05pm

As I posted above - only one train per week crosses another at Carrick.

Hardly an issue frankly.

The same applies at Wexford loop.

Losty Dublin · 21-08-2013 5:05pm

n97 mini wrote: »

Not so sure about that. It all looks the same.

I noticed this as I was there when seeing someone off on the Dubln train and collecting someone off the Dublin train at the same time. Struck me as unusual that if the train from Dublin was late the train to Dublin would have to wait just short of the platform, keeping passengers captive.

I'll dig out the IRRS journal that refers to exactly why it was laid out as it when I get in.

bikeman1 · 21-08-2013 5:15pm

From what I can remember Carrick Loop was "re-instated" to allow another crossing point for the timber traffic at the time and of course to reduce the long section between Dromod and Boyle. Also to give flexibility for any late running passenger trains to cross here instead.

By having it at the station a whole new platform would have to be built as well as all the costs that go with that. The platforms would be staggered as there is a new bridge in place at the Dublin end of the platform. This way, while not ideal, is the most cost effective way to introduce a loop, that is really only timetabled when absolutely needed.

Interestingly, the RPSI tour to Sligo this year used Carrick On Shannon Loop.

end of the road · 21-08-2013 6:26pm

is the other platform only accessable via a foot bridge? if not then i could understand not spending the money, if it is accessable then theirs no excuse not to put the loop there, cost effectiveness can only be justified here if the platform where the original loop was is only accessable from a foot bridge

n97 mini · 21-08-2013 6:33pm

The existing 2nd platform is perfectly usable apart from weeds. It also has its own lane to the main road, which makes it wheelchair accessible.

The bridge between platforms is also perfectly usable, though not by wheelchair users.

end of the road · 21-08-2013 7:33pm

n97 mini wrote: »

The existing 2nd platform is perfectly usable apart from weeds. It also has its own lane to the main road, which makes it wheelchair accessible.

The bridge between platforms is also perfectly usable, though not by wheelchair users.

ah i see, bit unfortunate they didn't spend the money and re-open that platform and put the loop there, even if it isn't used that often if their was ever an emergency it would be handy to have it, still whats done is done

Passing loop at Carrick on Shannon

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