4 June (Part 2) - Crossrail continues to create chaos
It was advertised in advance, in their monthly newsletter at least, but
this weekend Network Rail are pulling down the Harrow Manorway flyover bus
shelter. The stop was moved to the south
two or three
weeks ago.
The work will endear them to no one. The flyover between the two pedestrian
crossings is reduced to one way light controlled operation and the traffic is
queued back to Knee Hill, Abbey Road and back under the flyover.
The southbound bus stop has been taken out of use but the sign is not adjacent
to the bus layby and was confusing a couple of elderly ladies while I was there.
Understandably they were very annoyed to have to carry their bags a quarter of a
mile to the Knee Hill stop.
Some more photos of
the demolition work may be seen here. (Scroll down.)
It is getting more and more difficult to take photos around Abbey Wood station.
Whilst the great majority of workers are tolerant at least and some offer welcome
assistance, such as being permitted to be on the station footbridge whilst the
station is closed, not everyone is happy even though I avoid taking photos of
workers who might be accused of doing nothing at the time.
This morning, and not for the first time, I was yelled at for being on the narrow
footpath overlooking Felixstowe Road. However the words were delivered in an
Irish accent so thick I have no real idea what was said, but it didn’t sound friendly.
I know that the Crossrail Act of 2008 gives permission for them to ride roughshod
over everyone and everything if they feel so inclined, but I do not believe
that it gives them any authority to stop me walking in the road when I judge it
is reasonably safe to do so.
If BiB’s future Crossrail reports become a little less positive about the frequently
magnificent planning and engineering that has unfolded under the noses of
Abbey Wooders, you may safely assume that not all Irish eyes have been smiling.
The flyover should be back to what passes for normal by Monday.