"Paul Scott" wrote in message
...
1506 wrote:
On May 19, 2:07 pm, "David A Stocks" wrote:
"1506" wrote in message

...

So, why not close Charring Cross and sell its site for
redevelopment. The four North Kent tracks would become a thru route
onto the Southwestern system. By way of example the Dartford Loop
and the Kingston loop could be linked.

I would go for a scheme where two tracks from the North Kent system
run through to the Southwestern. The remaining two tracks from Kent
would terminate at a 4/5 platform station on a rebuilt Hungerford
Bridge, which would have:
a) entrances on both sides of the river.
b) a *very* convenient interchange with Embankment underground,
which would probably be substantially rebuilt as part of the same
scheme.

If (b) could be done properly then Charing Cross underground station
could probably be closed altogether.

Excellent thinking! I really like this approach. North Kent trains
can still reach the north bank, whilst we also have second east-west
crossrail south of the Thames. Nab, all this, sans expensive
tunneling!

Could you explain the impact of your plans on Thameslink KO2? Not
forgetting all Southeastern stopping services (which you want to link to
SW stopping services) go into Cannon St under the proposed changes.

I wasn't aware of this proposal as part of the Thameslink programme - have
you a source? I have a strong feeling the project will shudder to a halt
after the current works at Farringdon and Blackfriars are completed. The
only substantial outcome will be that FCC will run 12-car trains (a mixture
of class 319/377) in the original service pattern.

Anyway, I'm not sure any explanation is required: a proportion of services
to/from Charing X would be diverted to be to/from Southwestern routes
instead. The extra capacity the Thameslink programme provides through
Borough Market and London Bridge may provide opportunities for more through
running to/from the Sothwestern, but other than that it would be a
stand-alone scheme independent of Thameslink.

D A Stocks