Jump to content

Truro railway station: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 50°15′50″N 5°03′52″W / 50.26400°N 5.06432°W / 50.26400; -5.06432
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
merge sections
(15 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 29: Line 29:
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2015/16 |passengers={{decrease}} 1.201 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 0.216 million}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2015/16 |passengers={{decrease}} 1.201 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 0.216 million}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2016/17 |passengers={{increase}} 1.203 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 0.219 million}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2016/17 |passengers={{increase}} 1.203 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 0.219 million}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2017/18 |passengers={{increase}} 1.205 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 0.231 million}}-->
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2017/18 |passengers={{increase}} 1.205 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 0.231 million}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2018/19 |passengers={{decrease}} 1.187 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{decrease}} 0.229 million}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2018/19 |passengers={{decrease}} 1.187 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{decrease}} 0.229 million}}-->
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2019/20 |passengers={{increase}} 1.211 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{steady}} 0.229 million}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2019/20 |passengers={{increase}} 1.211 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{steady}} 0.229 million}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2020/21 |passengers={{decrease}} 0.420 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{decrease}} 74,848}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2020/21 |passengers={{decrease}} 0.420 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{decrease}} 74,848}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2021/22 |passengers={{increase}} 1.049 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 0.215 million}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2021/22 |passengers={{increase}} 1.049 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 0.215 million}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2022/23 |passengers={{increase}} 1.101 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 0.241 million}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2022/23 |passengers={{increase}} 1.101 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 0.241 million}}
{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2023/24 |passengers={{increase}} 1.188 million |interchange={{pad|1em}}{{increase}} 0.254 million}}
| footnotes = Passenger statistics from the [[Office of Rail and Road]]
| footnotes = Passenger statistics from the [[Office of Rail and Road]]
}}
}}


'''Truro railway station''' ({{lang-kw|Truru}}) serves the city of [[Truro]], Cornwall, England. The station is situated at milepost {{convert|300.75|mi|km|lk=in}} from {{stn|London Paddington}}. It is situated on the [[Cornish Main Line]] and is the junction for the [[Maritime Line]] to [[Falmouth Docks railway station|Falmouth Docks]].
'''Truro railway station''' ({{langx|kw|Truru}}) serves the city of [[Truro]], Cornwall, England. The station is on the [[Cornish Main Line]] and is the junction for the [[Maritime Line]] to [[Falmouth Docks railway station|Falmouth Docks]]. It is situated at milepost {{convert|300.75|mi|km|lk=in}} from {{stn|London Paddington}}, which is measured via {{stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}}, although most trains use the shorter route via {{stnlnk|Newbury}}.


The station is managed by [[Great Western Railway (train operating company)|Great Western Railway]], which serves the station alongside [[CrossCountry]].
The station is managed by [[Great Western Railway (train operating company)|Great Western Railway]], which serves the station alongside [[CrossCountry]].

It is the busiest station in Cornwall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/statistics/usage/estimates-of-station-usage|title=ORR Station Usage Statistics 2022-23|access-date=19 May 2024}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The station opened with the [[Cornwall Railway]] on 4 May 1859<ref>{{cite book | last = Bennett | first = Alan | title = The Great Western Railway in Mid Cornwall | publisher = Kingfisher Railway Publications | year = 1988 | location = Southampton | isbn = 0-946184-53-4}}</ref> when it was very different from today. A [[train shed]] roofed over the space between the two platforms and the level crossing was much busier and at the other end of the building, where the branch platform is today. A contemporary report tells us that: <blockquote>the passenger station here is a handsome stone building, one hundred and thirty feet long, with large projecting roof; and containing in the centre of the building a spacious booking office, having separate entrances for first, second and third class passengers. On each side of this are comfortable first and second class waiting rooms, parcels' room, superintendent's office, and the other conveniences of a first class station. Inside the station is the passenger platform, one hundred and sixty-one feet long by fourteen feet wide, and beyond this three lines of [[broad gauge]] rails. Then the arrival platform, which is of the same length of that on the opposite side, and twenty feet wide. The whole of the space occupied by these rails and platforms are covered by a double roof, of the respective spans of fifty-seven and forty-one feet, with iron tie and suspension rods on a novel principle. The light, airy and forceful appearance of these roofs has excited the admiration of every person who has viewed them.<ref>''West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser'', Railway Special Edition, 1859</ref></blockquote>
The station opened with the [[Cornwall Railway]] on 4 May 1859<ref>{{cite book | last = Bennett | first = Alan | title = The Great Western Railway in Mid Cornwall | publisher = Kingfisher Railway Publications | year = 1988 | location = Southampton | isbn = 0-946184-53-4}}</ref> when it was very different from today. A [[train shed]] roofed over the space between the two platforms and the level crossing was much busier and at the other end of the building, where the branch platform is today. A contemporary report tells us that: <blockquote>the passenger station here is a handsome stone building, one hundred and thirty feet long, with large projecting roof; and containing in the centre of the building a spacious booking office, having separate entrances for first, second and third class passengers. On each side of this are comfortable first and second class waiting rooms, parcels' room, superintendent's office, and the other conveniences of a first class station. Inside the station is the passenger platform, one hundred and sixty-one feet long by fourteen feet wide, and beyond this three lines of [[broad gauge]] rails. Then the arrival platform, which is of the same length of that on the opposite side, and twenty feet wide. The whole of the space occupied by these rails and platforms are covered by a double roof, of the respective spans of fifty-seven and forty-one feet, with iron tie and suspension rods on a novel principle. The light, airy and forceful appearance of these roofs has excited the admiration of every person who has viewed them.<ref name="WBCR">''West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser'', Railway Special Edition, 1859</ref></blockquote>


[[File:Truro last broad gauge service 20 May 1892 (1256 and 3557) 20-05-1892.jpg|thumb|left|The last [[broad gauge]] train to Penzance calls at Truro in 1892]]
[[File:Truro last broad gauge service 20 May 1892 (1256 and 3557) 20-05-1892.jpg|thumb|left|The last [[broad gauge]] train to Penzance calls at Truro in 1892]]
A stone [[goods shed]] was built in front of the station and an [[Motive power depot|engine shed]] beyond the passenger platforms: "one hundred feet long, and forty-five feet wide, with double line of rails, and accommodation for six engines. Outside of the latter building are a smithery and workmens' shops, in which any casual repairs that may be required, can be executed. This building being erected on 'made ground' is constructed of timber, as being lighter than stone."
A stone [[goods shed]] was built in front of the station and an [[Motive power depot|engine shed]] beyond the passenger platforms: "one hundred feet long, and forty-five feet wide, with double line of rails, and accommodation for six engines. Outside of the latter building are a smithery and workmens' shops, in which any casual repairs that may be required, can be executed. This building being erected on 'made ground' is constructed of timber, as being lighter than stone".<ref name="WBCR"/>


The [[West Cornwall Railway]] shared the station, which was managed by joint committee of the two railways. This line came from {{Stnlnk|Penzance}} through the tunnel but was only [[standard gauge]] until 1 March 1867 when it had a third rail laid to allow both [[broad gauge]] and standard gauge trains (the rail had actually been laid the previous year but was only used for goods trains for a while). In the meantime the [[Cornwall Railway]] had extended its rails to [[Falmouth Docks railway station|Falmouth]]. The West Cornwall Railway kept its station at Newham Quay to handle goods traffic to the town ([[Truro]] did not become a city until 1877) and waterfront, the branch crossing the Falmouth line on the level just beyond Highertown Tunnel at Penwithers Junction.
The [[West Cornwall Railway]] shared the station, which was managed by joint committee of the two railways. This line came from {{Stnlnk|Penzance}} through the tunnel but was only [[standard gauge]] until 1 March 1867 when it had a third rail laid to allow both [[broad gauge]] and standard gauge trains (the rail had actually been laid the previous year but was only used for goods trains for a while). In the meantime the [[Cornwall Railway]] had extended its rails to [[Falmouth Docks railway station|Falmouth]]. The West Cornwall Railway kept its station at Newham Quay to handle goods traffic to the town ([[Truro]] did not become a city until 1877) and waterfront, the branch crossing the Falmouth line on the level just beyond Highertown Tunnel at Penwithers Junction.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Jenkins |first1=S.C. |last2=Langley |first2=R.C. |title=The West Cornwall Railway |date=2002 |publisher=The Oakwood Press |isbn=0-85361-589-6 |pages=145–159}}</ref>


[[Image:Carvedras Viaduct.jpg|thumb|left|Carvedras viaduct]]
[[File:Carvedras Viaduct.jpg|thumb|left|Carvedras viaduct]]
Two of [[Cornwall Railway viaducts|Brunel's timber viaducts]] carried the line high above the town. Immediately outside the station was Carvedras Viaduct, 86 feet above St George's Road and 969 feet long. After passing the site of the castle, the line then passed over Truro Viaduct, which with 20 stone piers stretched to 1,329 feet and was the longest viaduct in Cornwall, although it was only 92 feet high. They were replaced with stone viaducts in 1902 and 1904 respectively, although the original piers still stand.<ref>{{cite book | last = Binding | first = John| title = Brunel's Cornish Viaducts | publisher = Atlantic Transport Publishing/Historical Model Railway Society | year = 1993 | location = Penryn| isbn = 0-906899-56-7}}</ref>
Two of [[Cornwall Railway viaducts|Brunel's timber viaducts]] carried the line high above the town. Immediately outside the station was Carvedras Viaduct, 86 feet above St George's Road and 969 feet long. After passing the site of the castle, the line then passed over Truro Viaduct, which with 20 stone piers stretched to 1,329 feet and was the longest viaduct in Cornwall, although it was only 92 feet high. They were replaced with stone viaducts in 1902 and 1904 respectively, although the original piers still stand.<ref>{{cite book | last = Binding | first = John| title = Brunel's Cornish Viaducts | publisher = Atlantic Transport Publishing/Historical Model Railway Society | year = 1993 | location = Penryn| isbn = 0-906899-56-7}}</ref>


The Cornwall Railway was amalgamated into the [[Great Western Railway]] on 1 July 1889.
The Cornwall Railway was amalgamated into the [[Great Western Railway]] on 1 July 1889.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Woodfin |first1=R.J. |title=The Cornwall Railway to its Centenary in 1959 |date=1960 |publisher=Bradford Barton |page=19}}</ref>


The goods shed was rebuilt quite early on to accommodate the heavy traffic handled. The passenger station was rebuilt in 1897 when the roof was removed, new buildings provided,<ref name=Pevsner>{{cite book |last1=Beacham |first1=Peter |last2=Pevsner |first2=Nikolaus |date=2014 |title=The Buildings of England. Cornwall |publisher=Yale University Press |page=672 |isbn=9780300126686 }}</ref> a new engine shed built nearer the tunnel, and the level crossing removed to the east end. It was at this time that a third footbridge was added across the station in place of the level crossing, access to this being from the road rather than the platforms.
The goods shed was rebuilt quite early on to accommodate the heavy traffic handled. The passenger station was rebuilt in 1897 when the roof was removed, new buildings provided,<ref name=Pevsner>{{cite book |last1=Beacham |first1=Peter |last2=Pevsner |first2=Nikolaus |date=2014 |title=The Buildings of England. Cornwall |publisher=Yale University Press |page=672 |isbn=9780300126686 }}</ref> a new engine shed built nearer the tunnel, and the level crossing removed to the east end. It was at this time that a third footbridge was added across the station in place of the level crossing, access to this being from the road rather than the platforms.<ref name="Oakley">{{cite book |last1=Oakley |first1=Mike |title=Cornwall Railway Stations |date=2009 |publisher=The Dovecote Press |isbn=978-1-904-34968-6 |pages=130–133}}</ref>


From 2 January 1905 the station was also used as the terminus of the branch to {{Stnlnk|Perranporth}} and {{Stnlnk|Newquay}}, although the actual junction was at {{Stnlnk|Chacewater}} station.
From 2 January 1905 the station was also used as the terminus of the branch to {{Stnlnk|Perranporth}} and {{Stnlnk|Newquay}}, although the actual junction was at {{Stnlnk|Chacewater}} station.<ref name="Oakley"/>


The Great Western Railway was [[nationalisation|nationalised]] into [[British Railways]] from 1 January 1948 which was privatised in the 1990s.
The Great Western Railway was [[nationalisation|nationalised]] into [[British Railways]] from 1 January 1948 which was privatised in the 1990s.

[[File:Truro station down Cornishman geograph-2505472-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg|thumb|right|Down 'Cornishman' express in 1958]]
[[File:Truro station down Cornishman geograph-2505472-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg|thumb|right|Down 'Cornishman' express in 1958]]
{{Historical Rail Start}}
{{Historical Rail Start}}
Line 66: Line 70:
{{rail line|previous=|route=[[West Cornwall Railway]]|next={{Stnlnk|Chacewater}} |col={{GWR colour}} }}
{{rail line|previous=|route=[[West Cornwall Railway]]|next={{Stnlnk|Chacewater}} |col={{GWR colour}} }}
{{s-note|text=Services in 1908}}
{{s-note|text=Services in 1908}}
{{rail line|previous=[[Probus and Ladock railway station|Probus and Ladock Halt]]|route=[[Great Western Railway]] <small>– [[Cornish Main Line]]</small>|next={{Stnlnk|Chacewater}} |col={{GWR colour}} }}
{{rail line two to one|previous1={{Stnlnk|Probus and Ladock Halt}}|route1=GWR [[Cornish Main Line]]|previous2=|route2=GWR [[Truro and Newquay Railway|Truro & Newquay line]]|next={{Stnlnk|Chacewater}} |col={{GWR colour}} }}
{{rail line|previous=|route=[[Great Western Railway]] <small>– [[Truro and Newquay Railway|Truro & Newquay line]]</small>|next={{Stnlnk|Chacewater}} |col={{GWR colour}} }}
{{rail line|previous=|route=GWR [[Maritime Line|Falmouth branch]]|next={{Stnlnk|Perranwell}} |col={{GWR colour}} }}
{{rail line|previous=|route=[[Great Western Railway]] <small>– [[Maritime Line|Falmouth branch]]</small>|next={{Stnlnk|Perranwell}} |col={{GWR colour}} }}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


Line 79: Line 82:
* Platform 3 for up trains towards Plymouth, London Paddington and Bristol
* Platform 3 for up trains towards Plymouth, London Paddington and Bristol


The platform for trains to [[Plymouth railway station|Plymouth]] and beyond can be reached by either of two footbridges, one at either end of the station, but both platforms have step-free access from the [[level crossing]] at the east end of the platform.
The platform for trains to [[Plymouth railway station|Plymouth]] and beyond can be reached by either of two footbridges, one at either end of the station, but both platforms have step-free access from the [[level crossing]] at the east end of the platform.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}


Platform 3 is a bi-directional platform and is able to serve trains in both directions, including trains to and from Falmouth as well. Typically during times where a train to Falmouth has been cancelled and is occupying platform 1, the next Falmouth directly after will use platform 3 if the half-hourly service is still in place.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}} In 2021 Platform 3 was extended to accommodate 9 car trains for Class 800 and 802 IET units for London.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}
Platform 3 is a bi-directional platform and is able to serve trains in both directions, including trains to and from Falmouth as well. Typically during times where a train to Falmouth has been cancelled and is occupying platform 1, the next Falmouth directly after will use platform 3 if the half-hourly service is still in place.<ref>{{cite web |title=Time is almost up at Truro |url=https://railwayworld.net/2024/02/01/time-is-almost-up-at-truro/ |website=Railway World |access-date=8 June 2024 |date=1 February 2024}}</ref>


The main entrance to the brick-built station is on the south side of the line, leading directly to the platform used by trains to [[Penzance railway station|Penzance]]. The station buffet is along this platform on the left, and the bay platform that is used for trains to [[Falmouth Docks railway station|Falmouth]] is beyond this. The long-stay car park is situated behind this eastbound platform and access is over the level crossing. There are Gateline ticket barriers in operation at the station, with Truro being the only station in Cornwall to have these installed.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}
The main entrance to the brick-built station is on the south side of the line, leading directly to the platform used by trains to [[Penzance railway station|Penzance]]. The station buffet is along this platform on the left, and the bay platform that is used for trains to [[Falmouth Docks railway station|Falmouth]] is beyond this.<ref>{{cite web |title=West 8 - Truro to Falmouth |url=https://www.liskeard.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/Train-West-8-Maritime-Line-May-Sep-2014.pdf |website=Liskeard Town Council |publisher=[[First Great Western]] |access-date=8 June 2024 |date=2014}}</ref> The long-stay car park is situated behind this eastbound platform and access is over the level crossing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Car park (surface) Truro Station - Truro |url=https://www.apcoa.co.uk/parking-in/truro/truro-station/ |website=[[APCOA]] |access-date=8 June 2024}}</ref> There are ticket barriers in operation at the station.<ref>{{cite web |title=Passengers cry foul over new Truro train station barriers |url=https://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/8820457.passengers-cry-foul-over-new-truro-train-station-barriers/ |website=[[Falmouth Packet]] |access-date=8 June 2024 |date=30 January 2011}}</ref>


==Services==
==Services==
[[File:Truro - GWR 802101 down service.JPG|thumb|[[British Rail Class 802|Class 802]] on a service to Penzance ]]
[[File:Truro - GWR 802101 down service.JPG|thumb|[[British Rail Class 802|Class 802]] on a service to Penzance ]]
Truro is served by all [[Great Western Railway (train operating company)|Great Western Railway]] trains on the [[Cornish Main Line]] between {{stnlnk|Penzance}} and {{stnlnk|Plymouth}} with two trains per hour in each direction. Some trains run through to or from {{Stn|London Paddington}}, including the [[Night Riviera]] overnight sleeping car service. There are a limited number of [[CrossCountry]] trains providing a service to [[North England]] and [[Scotland]] in the morning and returning in the evening.<ref>{{NRtimes|May 2019|135}}</ref>
Truro is served by all [[Great Western Railway (train operating company)|Great Western Railway]] trains on the [[Cornish Main Line]] between {{stnlnk|Penzance}} and {{stnlnk|Plymouth}} with two trains per hour in each direction. Some trains run through to or from {{Stn|London Paddington}}, including the [[Night Riviera]] overnight sleeping car service, and some through to {{rws|Cardiff Central}}, as well as one to {{rws|Gloucester}} daily.
There are a limited number of [[CrossCountry]] trains providing a service to {{rws|Edinburgh Waverley}} via {{rws|Birmingham New Street}} and {{rws|Leeds}} in the morning, and a few towards Penzance in the evening, including one originating at {{rws|Aberdeen}}.<ref>{{NRtimes|May 2019|135}}</ref>


The [[Maritime Line]] from {{stnlnk|Falmouth Docks}} terminates in Truro. Since May 2009, this line has run 2 trains per hour in each direction for most of the day, with a reduced, hourly service on Sundays.<ref>{{NRtimes|May 2019|143}}</ref>
The [[Maritime Line]] from {{stnlnk|Falmouth Docks}} terminates in Truro. Since May 2009, this line has run 2 trains per hour in each direction for most of the day, with a reduced, hourly service on Sundays.<ref>{{NRtimes|May 2019|143}}</ref>
Line 101: Line 106:
</ref> These were replaced by a new Truro West signal box in 1897 and a new Truro East in 1899. These were both Great Western Railway Type 7A signal boxes. The West box, which was situated on the north side of the line near the entrance to the [[Motive power depot|engine shed]], was closed on 7 November 1971 when the East box, situated on the same side of the line just east of the level crossing, was renamed as just "Truro".<ref>{{cite book |last=Pryer |first=GA |title=Signal Box Diagrams of the Great Western & Southern Railways, Volume 16: GWR Lines in West Cornwall |year=2000 |publisher=GA Pryer |isbn=0-9532460-5-1 |location=Weymouth}}</ref>
</ref> These were replaced by a new Truro West signal box in 1897 and a new Truro East in 1899. These were both Great Western Railway Type 7A signal boxes. The West box, which was situated on the north side of the line near the entrance to the [[Motive power depot|engine shed]], was closed on 7 November 1971 when the East box, situated on the same side of the line just east of the level crossing, was renamed as just "Truro".<ref>{{cite book |last=Pryer |first=GA |title=Signal Box Diagrams of the Great Western & Southern Railways, Volume 16: GWR Lines in West Cornwall |year=2000 |publisher=GA Pryer |isbn=0-9532460-5-1 |location=Weymouth}}</ref>


The adjacent signal boxes are at [[Par railway station]] to the east, and at Roskear Junction, [[Camborne railway station|Camborne]], to the west. The Falmouth branch is operated under authority from tokens which are kept in interlocked machines on platform 3 and at [[Falmouth Docks railway station]]. In May 2009 the branch was resignalled and a loop installed at {{stnlnk|Penryn}} which was controlled from the signal box at Truro.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}} At the same time a new signal (number TR26) was placed at the west end of the eastbound platform to allow trains to reverse back to Penzance or Falmouth without shunting across to another platform.
The adjacent signal boxes are at [[Par railway station]] to the east, and at Roskear Junction, [[Camborne railway station|Camborne]], to the west.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Clive Kessell |title=A modular approach to signalling in Cornwall |url=https://www.railengineer.co.uk/a-modular-approach-to-signalling-in-cornwall/ |website=Rail Engineer |access-date=8 June 2024 |date=26 April 2022}}</ref> The Falmouth branch is operated under authority from tokens which are kept in interlocked machines on platform 3 and at [[Falmouth Docks railway station]]. In May 2009, the branch was resignalled and a loop installed at {{stnlnk|Penryn}} which was controlled from the signal box at Truro.<ref>{{cite web |title=Passenger train derailment at Penryn, 28 January 2019 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-digest-032019-penryn/passenger-train-derailment-at-penryn-28-january-2019 |website=[[GOV.UK]] |publisher=[[Rail Accident Investigation Branch]] |access-date=8 June 2024 |date=11 April 2019}}</ref> At the same time a new signal (number TR26) was placed at the west end of the eastbound platform to allow trains to reverse back to Penzance or Falmouth without shunting across to another platform.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}


The signal box and semaphore signals were replaced during 2023-24 with new electric signals installed and controlled from [[Exeter St Davids railway station|Exeter]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Cornish resignalling gears up |magazine=Modern Railways |date=2023 |issue=October |page=27}}</ref> The signal box closed in the early hours of the morning of 27 February 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title='The End' Truro 'East' Signal Box 1899 - 2024. |url=http://www.cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk/latest-input--news--old-pictures-etc/2722024 |website=Cornwall Railway Society |access-date=9 March 2024 |date=27 February 2024}}</ref>
The signal box and semaphore signals were replaced during 2023-24 with new electric signals installed and controlled from [[Exeter St Davids railway station|Exeter]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Cornish resignalling gears up |magazine=Modern Railways |date=2023 |issue=October |page=27}}</ref> The signal box closed in the early hours of the morning of 27 February 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title='The End' Truro 'East' Signal Box 1899 - 2024. |url=http://www.cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk/latest-input--news--old-pictures-etc/2722024 |website=Cornwall Railway Society |access-date=9 March 2024 |date=27 February 2024}}</ref>

Revision as of 03:49, 23 November 2024

For other uses, see Truro station.

Truro

Truru
National Rail
General information
LocationTruro, Cornwall
England
Coordinates50°15′50″N 5°03′52″W / 50.26400°N 5.06432°W / 50.26400; -5.06432
Grid referenceSW817449
Managed byGreat Western Railway
Platforms3
Other information
Station codeTRU
ClassificationDfT category C1
History
Original companyCornwall Railway and
West Cornwall Railway
Pre-groupingGreat Western Railway
Post-groupingGreat Western Railway
Key dates
Opened1859
Line to Falmouth1863
Passengers
2019/20Increase 1.211 million
 Interchange Steady 0.229 million
2020/21Decrease 0.420 million
 Interchange Decrease 74,848
2021/22Increase 1.049 million
 Interchange Increase 0.215 million
2022/23Increase 1.101 million
 Interchange Increase 0.241 million
2023/24Increase 1.188 million
 Interchange Increase 0.254 million
Notes
Passenger statistics from the Office of Rail and Road

Truro railway station (Cornish: Truru) serves the city of Truro, Cornwall, England. The station is on the Cornish Main Line and is the junction for the Maritime Line to Falmouth Docks. It is situated at milepost 300.75 miles (484.01 km) from London Paddington, which is measured via Bristol Temple Meads, although most trains use the shorter route via Newbury.

The station is managed by Great Western Railway, which serves the station alongside CrossCountry.

It is the busiest station in Cornwall.[1]

History

The station opened with the Cornwall Railway on 4 May 1859[2] when it was very different from today. A train shed roofed over the space between the two platforms and the level crossing was much busier and at the other end of the building, where the branch platform is today. A contemporary report tells us that:

the passenger station here is a handsome stone building, one hundred and thirty feet long, with large projecting roof; and containing in the centre of the building a spacious booking office, having separate entrances for first, second and third class passengers. On each side of this are comfortable first and second class waiting rooms, parcels' room, superintendent's office, and the other conveniences of a first class station. Inside the station is the passenger platform, one hundred and sixty-one feet long by fourteen feet wide, and beyond this three lines of broad gauge rails. Then the arrival platform, which is of the same length of that on the opposite side, and twenty feet wide. The whole of the space occupied by these rails and platforms are covered by a double roof, of the respective spans of fifty-seven and forty-one feet, with iron tie and suspension rods on a novel principle. The light, airy and forceful appearance of these roofs has excited the admiration of every person who has viewed them.[3]

The last broad gauge train to Penzance calls at Truro in 1892

A stone goods shed was built in front of the station and an engine shed beyond the passenger platforms: "one hundred feet long, and forty-five feet wide, with double line of rails, and accommodation for six engines. Outside of the latter building are a smithery and workmens' shops, in which any casual repairs that may be required, can be executed. This building being erected on 'made ground' is constructed of timber, as being lighter than stone".[3]

The West Cornwall Railway shared the station, which was managed by joint committee of the two railways. This line came from Penzance through the tunnel but was only standard gauge until 1 March 1867 when it had a third rail laid to allow both broad gauge and standard gauge trains (the rail had actually been laid the previous year but was only used for goods trains for a while). In the meantime the Cornwall Railway had extended its rails to Falmouth. The West Cornwall Railway kept its station at Newham Quay to handle goods traffic to the town (Truro did not become a city until 1877) and waterfront, the branch crossing the Falmouth line on the level just beyond Highertown Tunnel at Penwithers Junction.[4]

Carvedras viaduct

Two of Brunel's timber viaducts carried the line high above the town. Immediately outside the station was Carvedras Viaduct, 86 feet above St George's Road and 969 feet long. After passing the site of the castle, the line then passed over Truro Viaduct, which with 20 stone piers stretched to 1,329 feet and was the longest viaduct in Cornwall, although it was only 92 feet high. They were replaced with stone viaducts in 1902 and 1904 respectively, although the original piers still stand.[5]

The Cornwall Railway was amalgamated into the Great Western Railway on 1 July 1889.[6]

The goods shed was rebuilt quite early on to accommodate the heavy traffic handled. The passenger station was rebuilt in 1897 when the roof was removed, new buildings provided,[7] a new engine shed built nearer the tunnel, and the level crossing removed to the east end. It was at this time that a third footbridge was added across the station in place of the level crossing, access to this being from the road rather than the platforms.[8]

From 2 January 1905 the station was also used as the terminus of the branch to Perranporth and Newquay, although the actual junction was at Chacewater station.[8]

The Great Western Railway was nationalised into British Railways from 1 January 1948 which was privatised in the 1990s.

Down 'Cornishman' express in 1958
Preceding station Historical railways Following station
  Services in 1863  
Grampound Road   Cornwall Railway   Perranwell
Terminus   West Cornwall Railway   Chacewater
  Services in 1908  
Probus and Ladock Halt   GWR Cornish Main Line   Chacewater
Terminus   GWR Truro & Newquay line  
Terminus   GWR Falmouth branch   Perranwell

Description

An InterCity 125 passes over the level crossing as it leaves for London

Truro station is 300 miles 63 chains (300.79 mi; 484.1 km) from the zero point at London Paddington (which is measured on the historical route via Box and Plymouth Millbay).[9] Platforms:

  • Platform 1 is for trains to Falmouth Docks
  • Platform 2 for down trains towards St Erth and Penzance
  • Platform 3 for up trains towards Plymouth, London Paddington and Bristol

The platform for trains to Plymouth and beyond can be reached by either of two footbridges, one at either end of the station, but both platforms have step-free access from the level crossing at the east end of the platform.[citation needed]

Platform 3 is a bi-directional platform and is able to serve trains in both directions, including trains to and from Falmouth as well. Typically during times where a train to Falmouth has been cancelled and is occupying platform 1, the next Falmouth directly after will use platform 3 if the half-hourly service is still in place.[10]

The main entrance to the brick-built station is on the south side of the line, leading directly to the platform used by trains to Penzance. The station buffet is along this platform on the left, and the bay platform that is used for trains to Falmouth is beyond this.[11] The long-stay car park is situated behind this eastbound platform and access is over the level crossing.[12] There are ticket barriers in operation at the station.[13]

Services

Class 802 on a service to Penzance

Truro is served by all Great Western Railway trains on the Cornish Main Line between Penzance and Plymouth with two trains per hour in each direction. Some trains run through to or from London Paddington, including the Night Riviera overnight sleeping car service, and some through to Cardiff Central, as well as one to Gloucester daily.

There are a limited number of CrossCountry trains providing a service to Edinburgh Waverley via Birmingham New Street and Leeds in the morning, and a few towards Penzance in the evening, including one originating at Aberdeen.[14]

The Maritime Line from Falmouth Docks terminates in Truro. Since May 2009, this line has run 2 trains per hour in each direction for most of the day, with a reduced, hourly service on Sundays.[15]

Preceding station National Rail National Rail Following station
Redruth   Great Western Railway
Cornish Main Line 		  St Austell
  CrossCountry
Cornish Main Line 		 
Perranwell   Great Western Railway
Maritime Line 		  Terminus

Signalling

Truro signal box, formerly Truro East box

Signal boxes had been built to control the complex layout at Truro by 1880.[16] These were replaced by a new Truro West signal box in 1897 and a new Truro East in 1899. These were both Great Western Railway Type 7A signal boxes. The West box, which was situated on the north side of the line near the entrance to the engine shed, was closed on 7 November 1971 when the East box, situated on the same side of the line just east of the level crossing, was renamed as just "Truro".[17]

The adjacent signal boxes are at Par railway station to the east, and at Roskear Junction, Camborne, to the west.[18] The Falmouth branch is operated under authority from tokens which are kept in interlocked machines on platform 3 and at Falmouth Docks railway station. In May 2009, the branch was resignalled and a loop installed at Penryn which was controlled from the signal box at Truro.[19] At the same time a new signal (number TR26) was placed at the west end of the eastbound platform to allow trains to reverse back to Penzance or Falmouth without shunting across to another platform.[citation needed]

The signal box and semaphore signals were replaced during 2023-24 with new electric signals installed and controlled from Exeter.[20] The signal box closed in the early hours of the morning of 27 February 2024.[21]

References

  1. ^ "ORR Station Usage Statistics 2022-23". Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  2. ^ Bennett, Alan (1988). The Great Western Railway in Mid Cornwall. Southampton: Kingfisher Railway Publications. ISBN 0-946184-53-4.
  3. ^ a b West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, Railway Special Edition, 1859
  4. ^ Jenkins, S.C.; Langley, R.C. (2002). The West Cornwall Railway. The Oakwood Press. pp. 145–159. ISBN 0-85361-589-6.
  5. ^ Binding, John (1993). Brunel's Cornish Viaducts. Penryn: Atlantic Transport Publishing/Historical Model Railway Society. ISBN 0-906899-56-7.
  6. ^ Woodfin, R.J. (1960). The Cornwall Railway to its Centenary in 1959. Bradford Barton. p. 19.
  7. ^ Beacham, Peter; Pevsner, Nikolaus (2014). The Buildings of England. Cornwall. Yale University Press. p. 672. ISBN 9780300126686.
  8. ^ a b Oakley, Mike (2009). Cornwall Railway Stations. The Dovecote Press. pp. 130–133. ISBN 978-1-904-34968-6.
  9. ^ Padgett, David (June 2018) [1989]. Munsey, Myles (ed.). Railway Track Diagrams 3: Western & Wales (6th ed.). Frome: Trackmaps. map 11A. ISBN 978-1-9996271-0-2.
  10. ^ "Time is almost up at Truro". Railway World. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  11. ^ "West 8 - Truro to Falmouth" (PDF). Liskeard Town Council. First Great Western. 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Car park (surface) Truro Station - Truro". APCOA. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  13. ^ "Passengers cry foul over new Truro train station barriers". Falmouth Packet. 30 January 2011. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  14. ^ Table 135 National Rail timetable, May 2019
  15. ^ Table 143 National Rail timetable, May 2019
  16. ^ Cooke, R A (1977). Track Layout Diagrams of the GWR and BR WR: Section 10, West Cornwall. Harwell: R A Cooke.
  17. ^ Pryer, GA (2000). Signal Box Diagrams of the Great Western & Southern Railways, Volume 16: GWR Lines in West Cornwall. Weymouth: GA Pryer. ISBN 0-9532460-5-1.
  18. ^ Clive Kessell (26 April 2022). "A modular approach to signalling in Cornwall". Rail Engineer. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  19. ^ "Passenger train derailment at Penryn, 28 January 2019". GOV.UK. Rail Accident Investigation Branch. 11 April 2019. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  20. ^ "Cornish resignalling gears up". Modern Railways. No. October. 2023. p. 27.
  21. ^ "'The End' Truro 'East' Signal Box 1899 - 2024". Cornwall Railway Society. 27 February 2024. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Truro railway station.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Truro_railway_station&oldid=1259059994"