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Coordinates: 51°37′51″N 0°19′48″E / 51.6307°N 0.3301°E / 51.6307; 0.3301
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{{Short description|Railway station in Essex, England}}{{more citations needed|date=October 2011}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2015}}
{{refimprove|date=October 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox London station
{{Infobox London station
| name = Shenfield
| name = Shenfield
| symbol = crossrail|symbol2 = rail
| symbol = crossrail|symbol2 = rail
| image_name = Shenfield railway station MMB 02.jpg
| image_name = Shenfield entrance, June 2024.jpg
| owner = [[Network Rail]]
| caption = Station entrance, as seen in June 2024
| manager = [[Greater Anglia (train operating company)|Greater Anglia]]
| manager = [[Greater Anglia]]
| owner = [[Network Rail]]
| locale = [[Shenfield]]
| locale = [[Shenfield]]
| borough = [[Borough of Brentwood]]
| borough = [[Borough of Brentwood]]
Line 22: Line 24:
| railexits1112 = {{increase}} 2.991
| railexits1112 = {{increase}} 2.991
| railexits1213 = {{increase}} 3.131
| railexits1213 = {{increase}} 3.131
| railexits1314 = {{increase}} 3.314-->
| railexits1314 = {{increase}} 3.314
| railint1314 = {{pad|2em}}1.895
| railint1314 = {{pad|2em}}1.895
| railexits1415 = {{increase}} 3.488
| railexits1415 = {{increase}} 3.488
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| railexits1617 = {{increase}} 3.747
| railexits1617 = {{increase}} 3.747
| railint1617 = {{pad|1em}}{{decrease}} 1.411
| railint1617 = {{pad|1em}}{{decrease}} 1.411
| railexits1718 = {{increase}} 3.782
| railexits1718 = {{increase}} 3.872
| railint1718 = {{pad|1em}}{{decrease}} 1.292
| railint1718 = {{pad|1em}}{{decrease}} 1.292
| railexits1819 = {{increase}} 4.149
| railexits1819 = {{increase}} 4.149
| railint1819 = {{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 1.331
| railint1819 = {{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 1.331 -->
| railexits1920 = {{increase}} 4.171
⚫
| platforms = 6
| railint1920 = {{pad|1em}}{{decrease}} 1.321
| railexits2021 = {{decrease}} 1.063
| railint2021 = {{pad|1em}}{{decrease}} 0.440
| railexits2122 = {{increase}} 2.864
| railint2122 = {{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 0.941
| railexits2223 = {{increase}} 5.106
| railint2223 = {{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 1.057
| railexits2324 = {{increase}} 6.519
| railint2324 = {{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 1.084
⚫
| platforms = 6 operational; 1 disused
| access = yes
| access = yes
| access_note =<ref>{{citation step free tube map}}</ref>
| access_note =<ref>{{citation step free tube map}}</ref>
| gridref = TQ613949
| gridref = TQ613949
| fare_zone = C
| fare_zone = C
| coordinates = {{coord|51|37|50.69|N|0|19|47|E|type:railwaystation_region:GB-ESS|display=inline,title|format=dec}}
| coordinates = {{coord|51.6307|N|0.3301|E|type:railwaystation_region:GB-ESS|display=inline,title}}
| map_type = Essex
| map_type = Essex
| label_position = top
| label_position = top
Line 54: Line 66:
| events4 = Renamed ''Shenfield''
| events4 = Renamed ''Shenfield''
}}
}}
'''Shenfield railway station''' is on the [[Great Eastern Main Line]] in the [[East of England]], serving the town of [[Shenfield]], Essex. As well as being a key interchange for medium- and long-distance services on the main line, it is also the western terminus of [[Shenfield to Southend Line|a branch line]] to {{rws|Southend Victoria}} and the eastern terminus of the stopping "metro" service to and from [[Liverpool Street station|London Liverpool Street]] operated by [[TfL Rail]]. It is {{convert|20|mi|16|chain|km|2|lk=in}} down the line from Liverpool Street and is situated between {{rws|Brentwood}} and either {{rws|Ingatestone}} on the main line or {{rws|Billericay}} on the branch line. Its three-letter station code is SNF.
'''Shenfield railway station''' is on the [[Great Eastern Main Line]] in the [[East of England]], serving the suburb of [[Shenfield]], Essex. As well as being a key interchange for medium- and long-distance services on the main line, it is also the western terminus of [[Shenfield to Southend Line|a branch line]] to {{rws|Southend Victoria}} and one of the two eastern termini of the [[Elizabeth line]]. The station is {{convert|20|mi|16|chain|km|2|lk=in}} down the line from Liverpool Street; it is situated between {{rws|Brentwood}} and either {{rws|Ingatestone}} on the main line or {{rws|Billericay}} on the branch line. Its three-letter station code is SNF.


[[File:Shenfield station platforms, June 2024.jpg|right|260px|thumb|Station platforms seen from platform 3, June 2024]]
⚫
The station was opened in 1843 and has since expanded from its original three platforms to the current six.<ref name="Platform 6">{{ cite news | url=http://www.essexlive.news/crossrail-services-set-to-start-by-end-of-may/story-30319077-detail/story.html | title=Shenfield's Crossrail services will start by the end of May | publisher=Essex Live | date=8 May 2017 | accessdate=15 June 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511115539/http://www.essexlive.news/crossrail-services-set-to-start-by-end-of-may/story-30319077-detail/story.html | archive-date=11 May 2017 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> It sees trains operated by [[Greater Anglia (train operating company)|Greater Anglia]] to main line destinations including {{rws|Chelmsford}}, {{rws|Witham}} and {{rws|Ipswich}}, as well as branch line stations such as {{rws|Southminster}}, {{rws|Braintree|England}}, {{rws|Harwich Town}}, {{rws|Colchester Town}} and {{rws|Clacton-on-Sea}}.


⚫
The station was opened in 1843 and has since expanded from its original three platforms to the current six.<ref name="Platform 6">{{ cite news | url=http://www.essexlive.news/crossrail-services-set-to-start-by-end-of-may/story-30319077-detail/story.html | title=Shenfield's Crossrail services will start by the end of May | publisher=Essex Live | date=8 May 2017 | access-date=15 June 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511115539/http://www.essexlive.news/crossrail-services-set-to-start-by-end-of-may/story-30319077-detail/story.html | archive-date=11 May 2017 | url-status=dead}}</ref> It sees trains operated by [[Greater Anglia]] to main line destinations including {{rws|Chelmsford}}, {{rws|Colchester}} and {{rws|Ipswich}}, as well as branch line stations such as {{rws|Southminster}}, {{rws|Braintree|England}}, {{rws|Harwich Town}}, {{rws|Colchester Town}} and {{rws|Clacton-on-Sea}}.
In the future the TfL Rail service will be re-branded as the Elizabeth line as part of the [[Crossrail]] project. Eventually, the Elizabeth line service from Shenfield will be extended beyond Liverpool Street through central London to [[London Paddington station|Paddington]] and onwards to {{rws|Reading}} and [[Heathrow Airport]].


==History==
==History==
Line 64: Line 76:
Shenfield station was opened by the [[Eastern Counties Railway]] company on 29 March 1843 on the extension from [[Brentwood railway station|Brentwood]] to [[Colchester railway station|Colchester]]. As it was situated in a rural area, patronage was low, so it was closed in March 1850. It reopened with the name Shenfield & Hutton Junction on 1 January 1887 under the [[Great Eastern Railway]] to serve as an interchange station with the new [[Shenfield to Southend Line|line to Southend]] that was completed two years later. There were three platforms, two up (London-bound) and one down (country-bound). Under the [[London and North Eastern Railway]], two extra tracks for terminating local (suburban "metro") trains opened in 1934, resulting in five platforms.
Shenfield station was opened by the [[Eastern Counties Railway]] company on 29 March 1843 on the extension from [[Brentwood railway station|Brentwood]] to [[Colchester railway station|Colchester]]. As it was situated in a rural area, patronage was low, so it was closed in March 1850. It reopened with the name Shenfield & Hutton Junction on 1 January 1887 under the [[Great Eastern Railway]] to serve as an interchange station with the new [[Shenfield to Southend Line|line to Southend]] that was completed two years later. There were three platforms, two up (London-bound) and one down (country-bound). Under the [[London and North Eastern Railway]], two extra tracks for terminating local (suburban "metro") trains opened in 1934, resulting in five platforms.


The 1920 survey of the station shows goods sidings and a turntable on the London side of the up platforms. The goods yard was closed on 4 May 1964 and it became the station's car park.<ref>{{cite book |last=Mitchell |first=Victor E. |date=April 2011 |title=Eastern Main Lines - Shenfield to Ipswich |location=Midhurst |publisher=Middleton Press |at=Plan II |ISBN=978 1 906008 96 3 |ref=harv }}</ref> The Hutton Junction suffix in the station's name was removed on 20 February 1969.<ref>{{harvnb|Mitchell|2011|loc=Plate 4}}</ref>
The 1920 survey of the station shows goods sidings and a turntable on the London side of the up platforms. The goods yard was closed on 4 May 1964 and it became the station's car park.<ref>{{cite book |last=Mitchell |first=Victor E. |date=April 2011 |title=Eastern Main Lines - Shenfield to Ipswich |location=Midhurst |publisher=Middleton Press |at=Plan II |isbn=978-1-906008-96-3 }}</ref> The Hutton Junction suffix in the station's name was removed on 20 February 1969.<ref>{{harvnb|Mitchell|2011|loc=Plate 4}}</ref>


The station is {{convert|20|mi|16|chain|km}} from [[Liverpool Street station|Liverpool Street]]. Immediately west of the station is Brentwood bank, which descends steeply in the up (London) direction. This bank presented a significant climb to [[steam locomotive|steam train]]s. There are extensive sidings on the London side of the station just before the start of the descent down the bank.
The station is {{convert|20|mi|16|chain|km}} from [[Liverpool Street station|Liverpool Street]]. Immediately west of the station is Brentwood bank, which descends steeply in the up (London) direction. This bank presented a significant climb to [[steam locomotive|steam train]]s. There are extensive sidings on the London side of the station just before the start of the descent down the bank.
Line 70: Line 82:
To the east of the station, the lines for Southend diverge to the south. West of Shenfield there are five tracks, but to the east these split, two towards {{rws|Colchester}} and two towards {{rws|Southend Victoria}}. The [[London and North Eastern Railway]] opened the Southend Loop to the east of the station on 1 January 1934. This enabled Southend trains to and from platforms 4 and 5 to dive-under the main line thus eliminating conflicting movements. The bi-directional loop line connects to the Southend line at Mountnessing Junction.
To the east of the station, the lines for Southend diverge to the south. West of Shenfield there are five tracks, but to the east these split, two towards {{rws|Colchester}} and two towards {{rws|Southend Victoria}}. The [[London and North Eastern Railway]] opened the Southend Loop to the east of the station on 1 January 1934. This enabled Southend trains to and from platforms 4 and 5 to dive-under the main line thus eliminating conflicting movements. The bi-directional loop line connects to the Southend line at Mountnessing Junction.


The lines from London Liverpool Street and London Fenchurch Street (via Gas Factory Junction and Bow Junction) to Shenfield were electrified at 1500 V DC overhead system in 1949. This was converted to 6.5 kV AC in 1960. Gidea Park to Shenfield was converted to 25 kV AC in 1976. Liverpool Street to Gidea Park was converted to 25 kV AC in 1980.<ref>''Modern Railways'', March 2010, p. 44, and May 2010, p.35</ref>
The lines from London Liverpool Street and London Fenchurch Street (via Gas Factory Junction and Bow Junction) to Shenfield were electrified at 1500 V DC overhead system in 1949. This was converted to 6.5 kV AC in 1960. Gidea Park to Shenfield was converted to 25 kV AC in 1976. Liverpool Street to Gidea Park was converted to 25 kV AC in 1980.<ref>''Modern Railways'', March 2010, p. 44, and May 2010, p.35</ref>


[[Oyster card]] readers were installed for pay-as-you-go journeys in 2013.<ref name="Commissioners Report">{{ cite news | url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/corporate/Part-1-Item05-Commissioners-Report-December-2012.pdf | title=Commissioners report | publisher=TFL | date=December 2012 | accessdate=10 Jan 2013 }}</ref>
[[Oyster card]] readers were installed for pay-as-you-go journeys in 2013.<ref name="Commissioners Report">{{ cite news | url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/corporate/Part-1-Item05-Commissioners-Report-December-2012.pdf | title=Commissioners report | publisher=TFL | date=December 2012 | access-date=10 January 2013 }}</ref>


⚫
Today, Shenfield is served by fast trains on the main line towards London, and it is the north-eastern terminus of the Elizabeth line. At peak hours the frequency of service will increase from eight trains per hour to 12, necessitating the construction of a new 210-metre long platform 6,<ref name="A7">[https://web.archive.org/web/20220910161752/https://www.crossrail.co.uk/assets/library/document/a/original/a7selectionofthenortheasternterminus.pdf CROSSRAIL INFORMATION PAPER A7 – SELECTION OF THE NORTH EASTERN TERMINUS]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150923211258/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/assets/download/2127 Environmental Baseline and Assessment of Impacts – North East Route Section]</ref> which was built to the north of platform 5, replacing one of the existing three western sidings.<ref name=NE17>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150923211344/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/assets/download/661 Chapter 18 - Route Window NE17 - Shenfield station]</ref> The two remaining western sidings and three new eastern sidings are also used by the Elizabeth line.<ref name=NE17 /> Platforms 1 to 5 have an operational length for 12 carriages, platform 6 for 10 carriages.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Railway Track Diagrams |volume=2 Eastern |editor-first=Martyn |editor-last=Brailsford |publisher=Trackmaps |year=2016 |isbn=978-0-9549866-8-1 |location=Frome |pages=5, 10}}</ref>
Today, Shenfield is served by fast trains on the main line towards London and it is also the eastern terminus of the stopping "metro" service from Liverpool Street. In the future Shenfield will additionally be one of two eastern termini of [[Crossrail]] (to be branded as the Elizabeth line), although the precursor company [[TfL Rail]] took over the existing "metro" service in May 2015.<ref name="Crossrail 2018">{{ cite news | url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gKH5fiQT63-FLo6vMfXKorAteqrA?docId=B308521287593766A00 | title=Capital's key services protected, says Johnson | publisher=The Press Association | date=20 October 2010 | accessdate=21 October 2010 }}</ref> Nine-carriage {{Brc|345}} trains will run over the pair of 'electric lines', rather than the main lines, replacing the existing eight-carriage "metro" trains and allowing Crossrail to serve all stations between Shenfield and Liverpool Street, continuing west to {{rws|Paddington}} when the line opens fully.<ref name=A7>[https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20110414221311/http://www.crossrail.co.uk/assets/library/document/a/original/a7selectionofthenortheasternterminus.pdf CROSSRAIL INFORMATION PAPER A7 – SELECTION OF THE NORTH EASTERN TERMINUS]</ref> At peak hours the frequency of service will increase from eight trains per hour to 12, necessitating the construction of a new 210-metre
⚫
long platform 6,<ref name=A7 /><ref>[http://www.crossrail.co.uk/assets/download/2127 Environmental Baseline and Assessment of Impacts – North East Route Section]</ref> which was built to the north of platform 5, replacing one of the existing three western sidings.<ref name=NE17>[http://www.crossrail.co.uk/assets/download/661 Chapter 18 - Route Window NE17 - Shenfield station]</ref> The two remaining western sidings and three new eastern sidings will also be used by Crossrail.<ref name=NE17 /> It is estimated that Crossrail will cut morning peak journey times by up to seven minutes although there will be no reduction to some journey times.<ref name=NE17 /> Platforms 1 to 5 have an operational length for 12 carriages, platform 6 for 10 carriages.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Railway Track Diagrams Volume 2 Eastern|last=Martyn Brailsford (ed)|first=|publisher=Trackmaps|year=2016|isbn=978-0-9549866-8-1|location=Frome|pages=5, 10}}</ref>


==Services==
==Services==
The typical off-peak service pattern at Shenfield is:<ref>{{Cite web |work=Greater Anglia |title=Timetables |date=10 December 2023 |access-date=16 May 2014 |url= https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/timetables |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Elizabeth Line Timetables |work=Transport for London|date=10 December 2023 |access-date=16 May 2024 |url= https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/elizabeth-line/elizabeth-line-timetables |quote=}}</ref>
The typical off-peak service pattern at Shenfield is:


*13 trains per hour (tph) to [[Liverpool Street station|London Liverpool Street]], of which:
*7 trains per hour (tph) to [[Liverpool Street station|London Liverpool Street]], of which:
**5 call at [[Stratford station|Stratford]] and Liverpool Street,
**5 call at [[Stratford station|Stratford]]
**2 call at [[Romford railway station|Romford]], Stratford and Liverpool Street,
**2 call at [[Romford railway station|Romford]] and Stratford
*2 tph to [[Heathrow Terminal 5 station|Heathrow Terminal 5]], calling at all stations except Acton Main Line, Hanwell and Southall.
**6 call at all stations to Liverpool Street;
*3 tph to [[Southend Victoria railway station|Southend Victoria]], calling at all stations to Southend Victoria;
*6 tph to [[London Paddington station|Paddington]], calling at all stations
*1 tph to {{stnlnk|Braintree|England}}, calling at [[Ingatestone railway station|Ingatestone]], [[Chelmsford railway station|Chelmsford]], [[Witham railway station|Witham]], then all stations to Braintree;
*3 tph to [[Southend Victoria railway station|Southend Victoria]], calling at all stations
*1 tph to {{stnlnk|Braintree|England}}, calling at [[Ingatestone railway station|Ingatestone]], [[Chelmsford railway station|Chelmsford]], [[Witham railway station|Witham]] and then all stations
*1 tph to [[Clacton-on-Sea railway station|Clacton-on-Sea]], calling at Ingatestone, Chelmsford, Witham, [[Colchester railway station|Colchester]], [[Wivenhoe railway station|Wivenhoe]], [[Thorpe-le-Soken railway station|Thorpe-le-Soken]] and Clacton-on-Sea;
*1 tph to [[Clacton-on-Sea railway station|Clacton-on-Sea]], calling at Ingatestone, Chelmsford, Witham, [[Colchester railway station|Colchester]], [[Wivenhoe railway station|Wivenhoe]] and [[Thorpe-le-Soken railway station|Thorpe-le-Soken]]
*1 tph to [[Colchester Town railway station|Colchester Town]], calling at Chelmsford, Witham then all stations to Colchester Town;
*1 tph to [[Colchester Town railway station|Colchester Town]], calling at Chelmsford, Witham and then all stations
*1 tph to [[Ipswich railway station|Ipswich]], calling at Chelmsford then all stations to Ipswich.
*1 tph to [[Ipswich railway station|Ipswich]], calling at Chelmsford and then all stations.


During peak times, service frequencies may be increased and calling patterns varied. Service frequencies are generally reduced on Sundays.
During peak times, service frequencies may be increased and calling patterns varied. Service frequencies are generally reduced on Sundays.

⚫
{{rail start}}
{{rail line one to two|previous={{stnlnk|Romford}} or {{stn|Stratford}}|next1={{stnlnk|Ingatestone}} or {{stnlnk|Chelmsford}}|next2={{stnlnk|Billericay}}|route1=[[Greater Anglia (train operating company)|Greater Anglia]] <br/> {{smalldiv|[[Great Eastern Main Line]]}}|route2=[[Greater Anglia (train operating company)|Greater Anglia]] <br/> {{smalldiv|[[Shenfield–Southend line|Shenfield to Southend Line]]}}|col={{Greater Anglia colour}} }}
⚫
{{s-rail|title=LEL}}
{{rail line|previous={{stnlnk|Brentwood}} <br/> {{smalldiv|''towards {{stn|Heathrow Terminal 5}}''}}|route=[[Elizabeth line]]|col={{rcr|LEL}} }}
⚫
{{end}}


==References==
==References==
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{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{stn art lnk|SNF|CM158JD}}
* {{stn art lnk|SNF|CM158JD}}
* [http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/xls/station_usage_2005-06.xls Excel file displaying National Rail station usage information for 2005/06]
* [http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/xls/station_usage_2005-06.xls Excel file displaying National Rail station usage information for 2005/06] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122100934/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/xls/station_usage_2005-06.xls |date=22 January 2013 }}

⚫
{{rail start}}
{{s-rail-national|toc= Greater Anglia|route=[[Great Eastern Main Line]]|next=Chelmsford|previous=Stratford|rowsmid=2}}
{{s-rail-national|toc= Greater Anglia|route=[[Great Eastern Main Line]]|next=Ingatestone|previous=Romford|hidemid=yes}}
{{s-rail-national|toc= Greater Anglia|route=[[Shenfield to Southend Line]]|next=Billericay|previous=}}
⚫
{{s-rail|title=LCR}}
{{s-line|system=LCR|line=Shenfield|previous=Brentwood|}}
{{s-note|text=Future development}}
{{s-line|system=LCR|line=LCR|previous=Brentwood|type=Paddington|type2=Shenfield}}
⚫
{{s-end}}


{{Crossrail navbox}}
{{Crossrail navbox}}
{{Railway stations served by Abellio Greater Anglia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2010}}


[[Category:Railway stations in Essex]]
[[Category:Railway stations in Essex]]
[[Category:DfT Category B stations]]
[[Category:Transport in the Borough of Brentwood]]
[[Category:Transport in the Borough of Brentwood]]
[[Category:Former Great Eastern Railway stations]]
[[Category:Former Great Eastern Railway stations]]
[[Category:Greater Anglia franchise railway stations]]
[[Category:Railway stations served by Greater Anglia]]
[[Category:Railway stations served by Crossrail]]
[[Category:Railway stations served by the Elizabeth line]]
[[Category:William Neville Ashbee railway stations]]
[[Category:William Neville Ashbee railway stations]]
[[Category:Railway stations opened in 1843]]
[[Category:Railway stations in Great Britain opened in 1843]]
[[Category:Railway stations closed in 1850]]
[[Category:Railway stations in Great Britain closed in 1850]]
[[Category:Railway stations opened in 1887]]
[[Category:Railway stations in Great Britain opened in 1887]]

Latest revision as of 19:26, 21 November 2024

Shenfield Elizabeth line National Rail
Station entrance, as seen in June 2024
Shenfield is located in Essex
Shenfield
Shenfield
Location of Shenfield in Essex
LocationShenfield
Local authorityBorough of Brentwood
Grid referenceTQ613949
Managed byGreater Anglia
OwnerNetwork Rail
Station code(s)SNF
DfT categoryB
Number of platforms6 operational; 1 disused
AccessibleYes[1]
Fare zoneC
National Rail annual entry and exit
2019–20Increase 4.171 million[2]
– interchange Decrease 1.321 million[2]
2020–21Decrease 1.063 million[2]
– interchange Decrease 0.440 million[2]
2021–22Increase 2.864 million[2]
– interchange Increase 0.941 million[2]
2022–23Increase 5.106 million[2]
– interchange Increase 1.057 million[2]
2023–24Increase 6.519 million[2]
– interchange Increase 1.084 million[2]
Railway companies
Original companyEastern Counties Railway
Pre-groupingGreat Eastern Railway
Post-groupingLondon and North Eastern Railway
Key dates
29 March 1843 (1843-03-29)Opened as Shenfield
March 1850Closed
1 January 1887Reopened as Shenfield & Hutton Junction
20 February 1969Renamed Shenfield
Other information
External links
Coordinates51°37′51″N 0°19′48″E / 51.6307°N 0.3301°E / 51.6307; 0.3301
London transport portal

Shenfield railway station is on the Great Eastern Main Line in the East of England, serving the suburb of Shenfield, Essex. As well as being a key interchange for medium- and long-distance services on the main line, it is also the western terminus of a branch line to Southend Victoria and one of the two eastern termini of the Elizabeth line. The station is 20 miles 16 chains (32.51 km) down the line from Liverpool Street; it is situated between Brentwood and either Ingatestone on the main line or Billericay on the branch line. Its three-letter station code is SNF.

Station platforms seen from platform 3, June 2024

The station was opened in 1843 and has since expanded from its original three platforms to the current six.[3] It sees trains operated by Greater Anglia to main line destinations including Chelmsford, Colchester and Ipswich, as well as branch line stations such as Southminster, Braintree, Harwich Town, Colchester Town and Clacton-on-Sea.

History

[edit]

Shenfield station was opened by the Eastern Counties Railway company on 29 March 1843 on the extension from Brentwood to Colchester. As it was situated in a rural area, patronage was low, so it was closed in March 1850. It reopened with the name Shenfield & Hutton Junction on 1 January 1887 under the Great Eastern Railway to serve as an interchange station with the new line to Southend that was completed two years later. There were three platforms, two up (London-bound) and one down (country-bound). Under the London and North Eastern Railway, two extra tracks for terminating local (suburban "metro") trains opened in 1934, resulting in five platforms.

The 1920 survey of the station shows goods sidings and a turntable on the London side of the up platforms. The goods yard was closed on 4 May 1964 and it became the station's car park.[4] The Hutton Junction suffix in the station's name was removed on 20 February 1969.[5]

The station is 20 miles 16 chains (32.5 km) from Liverpool Street. Immediately west of the station is Brentwood bank, which descends steeply in the up (London) direction. This bank presented a significant climb to steam trains. There are extensive sidings on the London side of the station just before the start of the descent down the bank.

To the east of the station, the lines for Southend diverge to the south. West of Shenfield there are five tracks, but to the east these split, two towards Colchester and two towards Southend Victoria. The London and North Eastern Railway opened the Southend Loop to the east of the station on 1 January 1934. This enabled Southend trains to and from platforms 4 and 5 to dive-under the main line thus eliminating conflicting movements. The bi-directional loop line connects to the Southend line at Mountnessing Junction.

The lines from London Liverpool Street and London Fenchurch Street (via Gas Factory Junction and Bow Junction) to Shenfield were electrified at 1500 V DC overhead system in 1949. This was converted to 6.5 kV AC in 1960. Gidea Park to Shenfield was converted to 25 kV AC in 1976. Liverpool Street to Gidea Park was converted to 25 kV AC in 1980.[6]

Oyster card readers were installed for pay-as-you-go journeys in 2013.[7]

Today, Shenfield is served by fast trains on the main line towards London, and it is the north-eastern terminus of the Elizabeth line. At peak hours the frequency of service will increase from eight trains per hour to 12, necessitating the construction of a new 210-metre long platform 6,[8][9] which was built to the north of platform 5, replacing one of the existing three western sidings.[10] The two remaining western sidings and three new eastern sidings are also used by the Elizabeth line.[10] Platforms 1 to 5 have an operational length for 12 carriages, platform 6 for 10 carriages.[11]

Services

[edit]

The typical off-peak service pattern at Shenfield is:[12][13]

During peak times, service frequencies may be increased and calling patterns varied. Service frequencies are generally reduced on Sundays.

Preceding station National Rail National Rail Following station
Romford or Stratford   Greater Anglia
  Ingatestone or Chelmsford
  Greater Anglia
  Billericay
Preceding station   Elizabeth line   Following station
Brentwood
  Elizabeth line   Terminus

References

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  1. ^ "Step free Tube Guide" (PDF). Transport for London. April 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 May 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Estimates of station usage". Rail statistics. Office of Rail Regulation. Please note: Some methodology may vary year on year.
  3. ^ "Shenfield's Crossrail services will start by the end of May". Essex Live. 8 May 2017. Archived from the original on 11 May 2017. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  4. ^ Mitchell, Victor E. (April 2011). Eastern Main Lines - Shenfield to Ipswich. Midhurst: Middleton Press. Plan II. ISBN 978-1-906008-96-3.
  5. ^ Mitchell 2011, Plate 4
  6. ^ Modern Railways, March 2010, p. 44, and May 2010, p.35
  7. ^ "Commissioners report" (PDF). TFL. December 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  8. ^ CROSSRAIL INFORMATION PAPER A7 – SELECTION OF THE NORTH EASTERN TERMINUS
  9. ^ Environmental Baseline and Assessment of Impacts – North East Route Section
  10. ^ a b Chapter 18 - Route Window NE17 - Shenfield station
  11. ^ Brailsford, Martyn, ed. (2016). Railway Track Diagrams. Vol. 2 Eastern. Frome: Trackmaps. pp. 5, 10. ISBN 978-0-9549866-8-1.
  12. ^ "Timetables". Greater Anglia. 10 December 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
  13. ^ "Elizabeth Line Timetables". Transport for London. 10 December 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
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