Just revisited Highbury & Islington

Though H&I is clean, tidy and functional, it is evidence of the disjointed planing that has plagued the Overground revolution. The platform numbering dates from the early days of the ELL modernisation and the desire to run to H&I so the lines terminus would be numbered in the next available platform numbers. These being 7 & 8 and no thought was given to the numbering, as shown by the numbering of the island platform at Cale Rd as 2 & 3 and no evidence of platform 1 which was to have graced the Up NL Relief, evidence of a little cost cutting as the site is obstructed by a lift shaft and the station access. As all the stations between Camden Road and Canonbury were originally four platform stations it seems a shame that H&I's island platform could not have been made level again as it retains a step and fencing along the middle at what is supossed to a major interchange.

My understanding is that the works are still under way. Platform 1 at Caledonian Road is still happening, but isn't needed yet. Remember that there is still the full resignalling to done (it was postponed) and the loops still have to be commissioned.

The problem with platform numbering at Highbury & Islington dates all the way back to when the old platform 7 was opened on the old NLL No. 1 single track. Whether we will ever see 'logical' numbering will depend on whether LU and Network rail can agree, after all it needs 3-6 to be renumbered before all the platforms on the surface can be changed. Maybe it will happen once the Victoria line is completely converted to the newer signalling system.

^{My understanding is that the works are still under way. Platform 1 at Caledonian Road is still happening, but isn't needed yet. Remember that there is still the full resignalling to done (it was postponed) and the loops still have to be commissioned.}

It's most unlikely that Platform 1 at Caledonian Road & Barnsbury will be restored as it is now almost completely obstructed by the stairs and MIP Lift. In any case, it would only be needed if the ELL were to be extended - also unlikely. The road through old Platform 1 is a long freight loop so no need for a platform. For some reason best known to them, NR is insisting that the number of the platform is retained, hence the island is numbered 2 & 3! We are trying to persuade NR to drop the reference to Platform 1.

I still think we will have to see what the final arrangement is. Platform 1 at Caledonian Road has been shown as an 'active' platform on all the plans that I have seen for the final layout, especially as platform 2 is on a reversibly signalled track.

Just to demonstrate my point above, take a look at page 4/5 of Modern Railways July 2010 (on sale Friday morning). You will note all of the above about Cale Road & B but I forgot to add that the level of the remaining bit of old Platform 1 has been raised about 14cm - so NO WAY will this ever be an operational platform again without major bucks being spent on relevelling, relengthening and major alterations to the stairs and MIP Lift.

Whenever I travel to Blackpool to see family and change at Preston (and a short time when I was living in Preston) I used to muse as to whether the mail platform was publicly accessible. Even if I did once see a branch-off of the subway out of the corner of my eye, I'm sure I wouldn't have felt like I was welcome to venture down it.

This Station plan shown is out of date as this still shows the old layout. The Special Use Only Platform (7) - once used for Anglia services and occasional diversions due to "failures" on the No 2 DC line is now the main NLL westbound platform.

I think National Rail should update this page as a matter of urgency.

Martin