All change at Alvechurch

Wulfruna Kid
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All change at Alvechurch
All change at Alvechurch

Alvechurch was once a quiet way-side station on the through route from Barnt Green via Redditch to Evesham. It remained so even after the line was truncated in 1962 when passenger services between Redditch and Evesham ceased, and for many years saw just a handful of trains each day. Consisting then of just a single platform, it continued to serve the neighbourhood. It opened in 1859, but perhaps the most significant event in it's history was when it became part of Birmingham's Cross City Line when services were extended to Redditch. Although as part of the Cross City line the branch enjoyed a 30 minute interval service, the demand for an even more frequent trains grew, particularly due to the growth of nearby Redditch, and so a plan was hatched to bring in a 20 minute interval timetable. This could only be achieved by increasing track capacity on the branch from Barnt Green, and so between July and August 2014 a new loop has been installed that runs through Alvechurch. This has resulted in the station there being extended with a new platform, footbridge and lifts for foot-free access. The increased service is due to begin with the December timetable change. On the first day of operating following the eight week closure, LM Class 323 No. 323214 approaches a damp Alvechurch with 2R29 1117 Four Oaks-Redditch service.

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Taken on: September 1, 2014
Sets appears in:   • Class 323    • The Cross City South    more » • July-September 2014    « less
Groups appears in:   • Class 323 EMU UK   
Camera: Nikon D700 (more info) (hide info)
Camera: Nikon D700
Color Space: Uncalibrated
Software: 2544578
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