Railways around Coventry

Yes there is an underpass, at the Coventry end of the platforms. Originally the underpass connected the two sites of the Coventry Gas Works. It was later infilled as it was attractive to vagrants, before being opened up once again a few years back to give direct foot access between the Ricoh and the shopping park, rather than having to use the footbridge over the railway at the north end of the Ricoh site, or the footpath alongside the roadway.

Here it is!

Greg hi, not sure if it is any interest to you, but the MR's superb photo's, bottom photo of the Bedworth bridge, on the right was a small factory, and through the bridge were the highway now is was a Dunlop factory, but on the left a guy built a small bungalow, previously he lived down the slough, where I believe the car park may be now, opposite Jackers Road and opposite the school, he lived on the refuse tip, dealt in scrap metals, made enough money to build the bungalow, around wartime I believe. Regards Kaga.

Sorry if this might seem to labour a point, but Bermuda Park station is currently running about 8 weeks behind schedule, which is way later than Coventry Arena. Even if the 'Ricoh' is ready earlier, it was reconfirmed to me today that all three projects (Bermuda, 'Ricoh' and the platform extentions at Bedworth) will not be signed off for public use until the same date. This would therefore seem to suggest that the 'Ricoh' railway station will be opening even later than I was expecting.

Hi all Not long to wait, for the new Coventry Arena railway station to open. Actual date not published yet as far as I know.

The timings have just been released for the run of Merchant Navy class 'Clan Line' along the Coventry to Nuneaton line on Tuesday 30th June, whilst en route from Victoria to Chester. Coventry 1155 Three Spires 1203 Hawkesbury Lane 1206 Chilvers Coton Junction 1214-1244 (takes water?) This is it's last run for a few years due to major overhaul.

Today was the last run of Clan Line as the boiler is in need of overhaul. Seen here approaching Black Pad footbridge/Foleshill. Very little effort was required for the slight climb from Coundon Road after having already reached the 45mph line speed, and the warm weather reduces the visible steam. The view off Radford Road bridge, however, was impressive as it pulled away from the 25mph speed restriction over Spon End arches.

Hi all & thank you Ron for your fabulous head-on picture, I was a bit further along, but I wanted the Ricoh station in the background.

Philip, I'm trying to place the above bridge before the war, and what went under those arches? Regards, Kaga.

Sadly I read an obituary today in the Daily Telegraph for Ian Allan who died on 28th. June 2015 the day before his 93rd birthday. All railway buffs and trainspotters will be familiar with Ian Allan's books. I had many of them during my boyhood. As the Telegraph said he 'drove the postwar schoolboy craze for trainspotting'.

Hi Kaga, The three arch viaduct went across the river Sowe, & until the Ricoh was built, only the curved top of the arches were ever visible. Most folks did not know that there was a viaduct, as it crossed private land.

Hi all All you need to know about Ricoh Arena rail link

AFAIK official opening of Coventry Arena and Bermuda Park stations will be 17 August

I'm afraid the opening of both stations is still expected in September. The official opening date has still to be agreed due to the ongoing construction works. Although Coventry Arena looks to be [almost] complete, there is still a lot of work to be done. Bermuda is still at least a couple of weeks away from completion. Only when the works are fully completed at both stations (along with the platform extensions at Bedworth which are fully completed), can all three sites be inspected and assuming there are no issues at ALL three sites, can they be signed off for public use. I am aware of one issue which may place a temporary restriction at Coventry Arena if not corrected before the final inspection. Then follows a short period of testing ticket machines and the final training of London Midland staff although the stations themselves will be unstaffed. There has already been days of the 'dogbox' slowing to an almost stop at both stations as they pass through to prove the planned timetabling of the service, which was always going to be a fairly simple affair. The next phase involves the construction of a crossover along with the required signalling to allow shuttle trains from Coventry to cross to 'up' line and terminate at the Coventry bound platform, the main reason the 'up' platform is considerably longer than the 'down' (ie Nuneaton bound platform). The signalling is already in place to allow trains to return directly to Coventry. Unfortunately this isn't expected to take place for another 18 months or so and hopefully will not be affected by the review by the Government of Network Rail and their overspends.