[Article] Rail Against the Machine

[finnyus]

What are the current stats?

Just some speed restriction observations from the 07:30 Cork - Dublin & 19:00 return on the 17 April 2010:

• Limerick Junction seems to be the longest (for trains not calling at the station).
  
• Cherryville Junction (in both directions) due to the new crossover being put in place (I think 25mph both directions)
  
• Ballybrophy station (recent trackwork)
  
• An area just south of Portarlington (relaying of new track)
  
• Down slow line (from Inchicore - Hazelhatch) is limited to 50mph at the moment (I think?)

Even with the speed restrictions in place, the 07:30 Cork - Dublin was 15mins early getting into Dublin!

[Mark Gleeson]

There are limits at Cherryville Junction due new crossovers and there are restrictions between Portlaoise and Portarlington as new track is laid. Expect bus replacement on evening Saturday trains in the next week or so to allow for work at Cherryville

Relaying of the track on the down fast is impacting on the down slow.

The problem on Dublin Cork is a lack of coordination has led to far too many restrictions, for instance the track work at Cherryville should only happen after the restrictions in Ballybrophy are lifted to ensure delays are minimised

[ACustomer]

Two things:
Am I right in thinking that the restrictions now (April 2010) are not nearly as numerous as in Dec 2009?

At least some of the restrictions mentioned (CherryOrdhard-Hazlehatch, Cherryville, Portlaoise-Portarlington and Ballybrophy) are attributable to serious work in progress, rather than simply the track being left to decay.
But Limerick Junction seems to be a bit of a black hole, which should have been fixed long ago: even for stopping trains it costs a couple of minutes.

[Mark Gleeson]

I was interviewed some time ago for the article so the data at the time was up to date

The number has reduced but there simply are far too many restrictions and they stay in place for too long, Ballybrophy is still a mess months on. Limerick Junction is a joke years have past with no sign of any progress

End of the day Dublin Cork 3 stops should be doable in 2:35 in the current state, 2:15-2:25 with the problems closed out

[Mark Hennessy]

Originally Posted by dowlingm

Just sent to Trib Editor:

This was published.

[Mark Gleeson]

http://www.tribune.ie/news/letters/a...k-record-mr-k/

Nicely done

[PLUMB LOCO]

Originally Posted by dowlingm

Just sent to Trib Editor:

Superb letter, especially the reference to who could name the PR spin doctors in Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann.

[Mark Gleeson]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

Expect bus replacement on evening Saturday trains in the next week or so to allow for work at Cherryville

Hmm

Heuston services - Sat 8th - Sun 9th May - service alterations by Corporate Communications

Due to engineering works at Cherryville Junction, near Kildare, Intercity services to and from Heuston Station will be part-substituted by bus between 11.00hrs on Saturday 8th May and 11.00hrs on Sunday 9th May.

Please search journey times from our home page for full details.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience caused by these essential works.