Network Rail has submitted a planning application for proposed works at Bristol Parkway Station that include adding a fourth platform (to be designated ‘platform 1’) and extending the length of the three existing platforms (nos. 2, 3 and 4).
The aim of the project is to enable two new London to Bristol services to operate each hour, in each direction, from December 2018 and improve the overall passenger capacity at the station.
The work is part of the Great Western Capacity Enhancement Programme which aims to provide significant passenger capacity enhancement through the operation of longer trains and additional services, as well as reduced journey times, particularly between Bristol and London Paddington.
- Network Rail is obliged to deliver infrastructure to enable:
- Two new London to Bristol Temple Meads via Parkway services each hour, in each direction, from December 2018
- Improved operational flexibility, over the base May 2016 layout, sufficient to allow empty coaching stock moves to and from the new Hitachi train depot at the Filton Triangle (Stoke Gifford)
- Parallel moves from Bristol Parkway towards Filton (from the new platform 1) and South Wales (from the existing platform 2)
The new platform will be 300m in length, while the extended lengths of platform 2 to 4 will range from 299m to 333m, allowing them to accommodate the new fleet of Hitachi trains.
The Bristol Parkway platform work is one of a number of major railway projects being implemented in the Bristol area including the electrification of the Great Western Mainline and the renewal of signalling across the Bristol area.
Network Rail held a drop-in session in Stoke Gifford on 29th November to give an overview of all the work it plans to carry out at and around Bristol Parkway.
The South Gloucestershire page on the Network Rail website will provide updates throughout the works.
Anyone with questions or concerns about the work taking place at Bristol Parkway Station can also call Network Rail’s dedicated 24-hour national helpline on 03457 114141, quoting reference ‘Great Western Route Modernisation’.
Photo: A GWR branded Hitachi IEP train on a test run at Bristol Parkway in July 2016.
This article originally appeared in the February 2017 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine (on page 8). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,500 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
South Gloucestershire Council has granted ‘prior approval’ for this planning application. The officer (delegated) report and decision notice can be found on the Documents tab of the planning application.