Post by downdc on Aug 2, 2022 20:50:17 GMT
Hello all
I’m sure this slight oddity exists in many places around the LU network, but there are a few bridges over the Metropolitan Line which appear to connect from almost nothing to almost nothing, and I wondered if anybody had any idea about what they are, why they exist, what they’re actually supposed to connect, et cetera.
Forgive my frankly shameful technological ignorance but I am better at describing the location than linking to a spot on Google Maps etc. The first is in the northbound direction from Rickmansworth; directly after the station the line crosses over the A412, then under Nightingale Road, then over a pedestrian subway, and then… underneath mystery bridge number 1! What is this for? It connects from a locked, gated entrance on Highfield Way, apparently to the back of private gardens of houses on The Mount, directly across the tracks. I’ve been outside that gate before but can’t remember if any clues are present from signage, nor can I make anything out on the Streetview image. Anyone?
The next location is on the Uxbridge branch, in the westbound direction from Ruislip. The line immediately crosses under West End Road, then Wood Lane (salute one of my old addresses…), then before it crosses under the Chiltern main and Central Lines… it’s mystery bridge number 2. This seems to cross from the grounds of Ruislip Rugby club on the south of the formation, to a cluster of trees behind houses on Blenheim Crescent and the garages at the end of Bembridge Gardens. Once again, any clues? Although, when I was looking on Streetview I did note there is something resemblant of a substation on Blenheim Crescent, close to where I think the bridge would end (it is not visible from any angle I could find) So, I wonder if a little digging has meant I’ve given myself a clue, but as always I seek the informed perspective.
Lastly, this one may be a bit more difficult as the bridge is no longer in situ or shown on the bird’s eye Google map, but there was another slightly strangely located bridge I’d like to question, and this seems like the time and place! This one was on the last open section north of Baker Street, immediately after the crossing over the Regent’s Canal. The bridge is still visible on the 2015-dated Streetview of Lorne Close, which straddles the tunnel mouth and from which you can look in the northbound direction, as well as from the 2012-dated Streetview from Lodge Road looking in the opposite direction (this image also rather wonderfully features an A stock heading out of town!). Going by what is either end of where that bridge was (the buildings etc seem to have changed little or not at all between the older images and what’s showing from other angles now/visible from above), one has to ask again, what purpose did it serve? Was there a road crossing here? If so, closure in the last 7ish years seems a bit strange, but anyway, I’m jumping ahead.
As always, any illumination gratefully welcomed
I’m sure this slight oddity exists in many places around the LU network, but there are a few bridges over the Metropolitan Line which appear to connect from almost nothing to almost nothing, and I wondered if anybody had any idea about what they are, why they exist, what they’re actually supposed to connect, et cetera.
Forgive my frankly shameful technological ignorance but I am better at describing the location than linking to a spot on Google Maps etc. The first is in the northbound direction from Rickmansworth; directly after the station the line crosses over the A412, then under Nightingale Road, then over a pedestrian subway, and then… underneath mystery bridge number 1! What is this for? It connects from a locked, gated entrance on Highfield Way, apparently to the back of private gardens of houses on The Mount, directly across the tracks. I’ve been outside that gate before but can’t remember if any clues are present from signage, nor can I make anything out on the Streetview image. Anyone?
The next location is on the Uxbridge branch, in the westbound direction from Ruislip. The line immediately crosses under West End Road, then Wood Lane (salute one of my old addresses…), then before it crosses under the Chiltern main and Central Lines… it’s mystery bridge number 2. This seems to cross from the grounds of Ruislip Rugby club on the south of the formation, to a cluster of trees behind houses on Blenheim Crescent and the garages at the end of Bembridge Gardens. Once again, any clues? Although, when I was looking on Streetview I did note there is something resemblant of a substation on Blenheim Crescent, close to where I think the bridge would end (it is not visible from any angle I could find) So, I wonder if a little digging has meant I’ve given myself a clue, but as always I seek the informed perspective.
Lastly, this one may be a bit more difficult as the bridge is no longer in situ or shown on the bird’s eye Google map, but there was another slightly strangely located bridge I’d like to question, and this seems like the time and place! This one was on the last open section north of Baker Street, immediately after the crossing over the Regent’s Canal. The bridge is still visible on the 2015-dated Streetview of Lorne Close, which straddles the tunnel mouth and from which you can look in the northbound direction, as well as from the 2012-dated Streetview from Lodge Road looking in the opposite direction (this image also rather wonderfully features an A stock heading out of town!). Going by what is either end of where that bridge was (the buildings etc seem to have changed little or not at all between the older images and what’s showing from other angles now/visible from above), one has to ask again, what purpose did it serve? Was there a road crossing here? If so, closure in the last 7ish years seems a bit strange, but anyway, I’m jumping ahead.
As always, any illumination gratefully welcomed
