Lawrence Hill railway station

{{Short description| Railway station in Bristol, England }}

{{Use British English|date=January 2014}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}

{{Infobox station

| name = Lawrence Hill

| symbol_location = gb

| symbol = rail

| image = Lawrence Hill Stn 27.11.18.jpg

| borough = Lawrence Hill, Bristol

| country = England

| coordinates = {{coord|51.4582|-2.5644|type:railwaystation_region:GB_scale:10000|display=inline,title}}

| grid_name = Grid reference

| grid_position = {{gbmapscaled|ST609734|25|ST609734}}

| manager = Great Western Railway

| platforms = 2

| tracks = 4

| code = LWH

| classification = DfT category F2

| original = Bristol and South Wales Union Railway

| pregroup = Great Western Railway

| postgroup = Great Western Railway

| years = 8 September 1863

| events = Opened

| years2 = 1874

| events2 = Second platform opened

| years3 = 1891

| events3 = Third and fourth platforms opened

| years4 = 29 November 1965

| events4 = Closed to goods traffic

| mpassengers =

{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2019/20 |passengers={{increase}} 0.190 million}}

{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2020/21 |passengers={{decrease}} 66,852}}

{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2021/22 |passengers={{increase}} 0.153 million}}

{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2022/23 |passengers={{increase}} 0.209 million}}

{{Rail pass box |pass_year=2023/24 |passengers={{increase}} 0.287 million}}

| footnotes = Passenger statistics from the Office of Rail and Road

}}

{{Bristol railway map|collapse=yes}}

Lawrence Hill railway station is on the Severn Beach Line and Cross Country Route, serving the inner-city districts of Easton and Lawrence Hill in Bristol, England. It is {{convert|1.0|mi|km}} from {{rws|Bristol Temple Meads}}. Its three letter station code is LWH. The station has two platforms, four running lines and minimal facilities. It is managed by Great Western Railway, the seventh company to be responsible for the station and the third franchise since privatisation in 1997. They provide all train services at the station, the standard service being two trains per hour along the Severn Beach Line and an hourly service between Bristol Temple Meads and {{rws|Filton Abbey Wood}}.

The station was opened in 1863 by the Bristol and South Wales Union Railway, with a single track and platform. The line was doubled in 1874 when the Clifton Extension Railway opened, then expanded to four tracks and platforms in 1891. There were buildings on all platforms and a goods yard to the west. Service levels reduced significantly over the second half of the twentieth century. The goods facilities were closed in 1965, staff were withdrawn in 1967 and the eastern two platforms were taken out of service by 1974.

The line is due to be electrified as part of the 21st-century modernisation of the Great Western Main Line, which will also see the addition of two new running lines to increase capacity. Service frequency will be improved as part of the Greater Bristol Metro scheme.

Description

Lawrence Hill railway station serves the Lawrence Hill and Easton areas of Bristol. The surrounding area is primarily residential, with the City Academy school to the east and a First West of England bus depot to the north-west. A supermarket and industrial estate occupy the old goods yard directly west of the station.{{cite book |title=OS Landranger Map 172 – Bristol & Bath |year=2008 |publisher=Ordnance Survey |location=Southampton |isbn=978-0-319-22914-9}} The station is on the Cross Country Route between {{rws|Bristol Temple Meads}} and {{rws|Bristol Parkway}}, and on the Severn Beach Line from Bristol Temple Meads to {{rws|Severn Beach}}, {{convert|1|mi|4|chain|km}} from Bristol Temple Meads.{{cite book|first=S.K.|last=Baker|title=Rail Atlas of Great Britain and Ireland|edition=12th|year=2010|isbn=978-0-86093-632-9|publisher=Ian Allan}}{{cite web |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/baseline%20capability/track%20and%20route%20mileage,%20permissible%20line%20speeds/table%20a_track_and_route%20miles_linespeed_western%20route.pdf |title=Network Capability – Baseline Declaration: (1) Track and Route mileage: (2) Line-speeds: Western Route |publisher=Network Rail |date=1 April 2009 |access-date=11 October 2013 |page=172 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014210923/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/baseline%20capability/track%20and%20route%20mileage,%20permissible%20line%20speeds/table%20a_track_and_route%20miles_linespeed_western%20route.pdf |archive-date=14 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}Railways in the United Kingdom are, for historical reasons, measured in miles and chains. There are 80 chains to the mile. The next station north is {{rws|Stapleton Road}}, the next station south is Bristol Temple Meads.

The station is on an alignment of 012 degrees, curving towards the east. There are two sets of tracks through the station, and two platforms: the western platform, platform 1, serves northbound trains; the eastern platform, platform 2, serves southbound trains. Platform 1 is {{convert|228|m|yd}} long, platform 2 is {{convert|234|m|yd}} long, however both have the northern ends of the platform fenced off, giving operational platform lengths of {{convert|116|m|yds}} and {{convert|114|m|yds}} respectively. Platform 2 was part of an "island" platform which, along with a further platform to the east, served the northbound "Up Filton Main" southbound "Down Filton Main" lines. These platforms were removed around 1970, the fast lines were removed in 1984. Directly to the south of the station, the A420 Church Road crosses the railway on a bridge. The main access to the station is using steps from Church Road, however the northbound platform can be accessed step-free from the adjacent supermarket car park. There is no step-free access to the southbound platform. To the north is a bridge carrying the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, a cycle path built on the trackbed of the Midland Railway Bristol to Gloucester line. Just north of this bridge is Lawrence Hill Junction, where a goods line diverges to the west, serving a waste terminal. To the south there are crossover points, and the line widens to four tracks.

{{As of|2025}} facilities at the station are minimal. Although the station is unstaffed, there is a machine for buying tickets. There are metal and glass shelters and seating on each of the two platforms, as well as customer help points which give next train information and allow the user to contact a helpdesk. The station is covered by CCTV. There is no car park or taxi rank, but there are 12 bicycle stands on the platform.{{cite web |url= http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/lwh/details.aspx |title=Station facilities for Lawrence Hill (LWH) |publisher=National Rail |access-date=2 January 2014}} The nearest bus stop is directly outside the station on the A420 Church Road.{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/posters/LWH.pdf|title=Lawrence Hill Station: Onward Travel Information|publisher=Network Rail|year=2012|access-date=2 January 2014}}

The line through Lawrence Hill has a speed limit of {{convert|60|mph|kph}} northbound and {{convert|75|mph|kph}} southbound. The loading gauge is W8, and the line handles over 15 million train tonnes per year.{{cite web|url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/documents/3111_Route_2013_Great_Western_Main_Line.pdf|title=Route 13: Great Western Main Line|year=2006|access-date=23 September 2013|publisher=Network Rail|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927183020/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/documents/3111_Route_2013_Great_Western_Main_Line.pdf|archive-date=27 September 2013|df=dmy-all}} It is not electrified, though it is planned that it will be electrified by 2017 as part of the 21st-century modernisation of the Great Western Main Line.

Services

File:Lawrence Hill - GWR 166204 Avonmouth service.JPG at Lawrence Hill with an Avonmouth service]]

All services at Lawrence Hill are operated by Great Western Railway using {{brc|150}} and {{brc|158|n}} Sprinter and {{brc|166|n}} Turbo DMUs.{{cite journal | author = Salveson, Paul | editor = Abell, Paul | date = June 2012 | title = Severn Beach: Not your typical branch line! | journal = Today's Railways UK | issue =126 | pages =42–47 | location =Sheffield | publisher =Platform 5 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Newer-trains-seats-track-commuter-line/story-11235537-detail/story.html|title=First Great Western will add to service on successful Severn Bridge rail line|date=25 January 2011|access-date=23 June 2012|work=This is Bristol|publisher=Northcliffe Media|archive-date=9 December 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209072851/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Newer-trains-seats-track-commuter-line/story-11235537-detail/story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.firstgroupplc.com/news-and-media/latest-news/2017/03-07-17b.aspx|title=Massive increase in Bristol train seats begins today|publisher=FirstGroup|date=3 July 2017|access-date=5 July 2017|archive-date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823175959/http://www.firstgroupplc.com/news-and-media/latest-news/2017/03-07-17b.aspx|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/34608/modern-trains-new-technology-bristol-rail-passengers/|title=Modern trains and new technology for Bristol rail passengers|date=11 July 2017|access-date=14 August 2017|work=Global Railway Review|publisher=Russell Publishing|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822191834/https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/34608/modern-trains-new-technology-bristol-rail-passengers/|url-status=live}}

The typical off-peak service in trains per hour is:{{cite web|url=https://www.gwr.com/~/media/gwr/pdfs/plan-journey/timetables/2021/december/b8-1212.pdf?la=en|title=Train times: Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach, Filton Abbey Wood and Bristol Parkway|work=Great Western Railway|access-date=15 December 2021}}

  • 3 tph to {{stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}} of which 1 continues to {{stnlnk|Weston-super-Mare}}
  • 1 tph to {{stnlnk|Filton Abbey Wood}}
  • 2 tph to {{stnlnk|Avonmouth}} of which 1 continues to {{stnlnk|Severn Beach}}

During the peak hours, the station is also served by a number of services to {{stnlnk|Bristol Parkway}}, {{stnlnk|Cardiff Central}} and {{stnlnk|Taunton}}.

On Sundays, the services to Avonmouth and Severn Beach are reduced to hourly. Southbound a single afternoon service continues beyond Bristol to {{stnlnk|Exeter St Davids}} via Weston-super-Mare.

Express services, operated by CrossCountry pass through the station but do not stop.{{cite web|url=https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/stations-destinations/route-map|title=CrossCountry Network Map|work=CrossCountry|access-date=15 December 2021}}

{{rail start}}

{{s-rail-national|rows1=2|rows2=2|previous=Stapleton Road|next=Bristol Temple Meads|toc=Great Western Railway|route=Cross Country Route}}

{{s-rail-national|hide1=yes|hide2=yes|previous=Stapleton Road|next=Bristol Temple Meads|toc=Great Western Railway|route=Severn Beach Line}}

{{end}}

History

File:Lawrence Hill station geograph-2913053-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg-Portsmouth express passes through Lawrence Hill in 1962. The signal box is visible on the left.]]

File:Lawrence Hill Station Bristol at night (1964).jpg

File:121135 at Lawrence Hill.jpg calls at Lawrence Hill with a southbound Severn Beach Line service. The eastern lines were still in use at this time, but the platforms serving them had been demolished.]]

File:Lawrence Hill Station, 1979.jpg

Lawrence Hill opened on 8 September 1863 when services began on the Bristol and South Wales Union Railway (BSWUR), which ran from {{rws|Bristol Temple Meads}} to {{rws|New Passage Pier}}, north of the city on the banks of the River Severn. At New Passage, passengers were transferred to a ferry to cross the Severn to continue on into Wales. In 1874, the Clifton Extension Railway opened, connecting the Bristol Port Railway and Pier to the Great Western Railway at Narroways Hill Junction, north of {{rws|Stapleton Road}}. To cope with the expected increase in traffic, the line was doubled, and a second platform was added to the east of the two tracks. Two more tracks were added in 1891, giving a layout of two sets of two tracks, with platforms on the outside and on an island in the middle. Trains to and from {{rws|Clifton Down}} and {{rws|Avonmouth}} used the western platforms while trains to and from South Wales used the eastern platforms. There were buildings on all the platforms, which were linked by a large covered footbridge. There was a goods yard to the west of the station and a signal box on the central platform.{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2920526|title=ST6073 : Stock for Special to Weston-super-Mare passing Lawrence Hill Box|work=Geograph|date=11 August 1962|access-date=2 January 2014|author=Brookshank, Ben}}

In 1886, the daily Great Western service along the Clifton Extension Railway was 6 trains each way between Avonmouth and Temple Meads, 24 trains from Clifton Down to Temple Meads and 26 the other direction. By 1910 there were 17 services daily from Avonmouth to Temple Meads and 15 the other way, a further 20 trains each day operating between Clifton Down and Temple Meads.{{cite book|title=Rail Centres: Bristol (#21)|author=Maggs, Colin G|author-link=Colin Maggs|year=2008|orig-year=First published 1981|publisher=Booklaw Publications|location=Nottingham|edition=3rd|pages=10–38, 61, 66–67|isbn=978-1-901945-30-0}} From 1924, many trains to Avonmouth were extended to {{rws|Severn Beach}}, a growing seaside resort, and some on to {{rws|Pilning}}, then back to Temple Meads via {{rws|Patchway}}. Circular trips via {{rws|Henbury}} were also common. The station was also used by excursion trains, and by trains of evacuees during the Second World War. By 1947, just before the start of the British Rail era, there were 33 daily services each direction between Avonmouth and Temple Meads, and 18 on Sundays. Many trains would pass through Lawrence Hill non-stop - in 1930, 350 trains would pass the station each day, of which roughly 40% would stop.

When the railways were nationalised in 1948, Lawrence Hill came under the control of the Western Region of British Railways,{{cite book|title=The Bristol Port Railway and Pier|author=Maggs, Colin|author-link=Colin Maggs|year=1975|publisher=The Oakwood Press}} which oversaw a gradual decline of services at Lawrence Hill. Passenger numbers along the Clifton Extension Railway, now known as the Severn Beach Line, also dropped, and in 1963 the Beeching report suggested that all services along the line be withdrawn. In the end, services continued to Severn Beach but were discontinued via Henbury and Pilning. Staff were withdrawn from the station from 17 July 1967 as a cost-saving measure. The footbridge was demolished by 1970, forcing passengers to change platform via the steps to Church Road at the south end of the station. Most of the station buildings were demolished in August 1970, but there were still some on the westernmost platform in 1979. By 1974 the platforms serving the eastern tracks had been removed, with the tracks themselves removed in 1984. Plans to use the disused trackbed as part of a light rail scheme linking the city centre to the northern suburbs were formed in the late 1990s, with the aim of an operational scheme by 2008, but the plans had been shelved by 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.lrta.org/lrtasub.html#casestudy|title=The LRTA Submission to the House of Commons Transport Sub-committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee - CASE STUDY: The Bristol/S.Gloucestershire LRT Scheme|author=Tedstone, Mike|date=8 October 1999|access-date=3 January 2014|publisher=Light Rail Transit Association|archive-date=7 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107015357/http://www.lrta.org/lrtasub.html#casestudy|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.lrta.org/bristol2.html|title=Bristol Rapid Transit|date=March 2004|access-date=3 January 2014|publisher=Light Rail Transit Association|archive-date=6 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106234750/http://www.lrta.org/bristol2.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/bristol-tramway/|title=Bristol Tramway, United Kingdom|work=railway-technology.com|publisher=Kable|access-date=3 January 2014}} It was suggested in 2008 that the trackbed could be used as a cycle path to join together communities which had been separated by the construction of the M32 motorway, however this was dropped due to Network Rail asserting that the trackbed might be necessary for future rail expansion.{{cite news|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/New-Bristol-cyclepath-cross-M32-motorway/story-11311105-detail/story.html|title=New Bristol cyclepath to cross M32 motorway|date=30 October 2008|work=This is Bristol|publisher=Northcliffe Media|access-date=2 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102193917/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/New-Bristol-cyclepath-cross-M32-motorway/story-11311105-detail/story.html|archive-date=2 January 2014|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Proposed-cycle-path-Bristol-railway-line-hold/story-11312471-detail/story.html|title=New Bristol cycle path may be put on hold|author=Rath, Mike|date=10 December 2008|work=This is Bristol|publisher=Northcliffe Media|access-date=2 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102191921/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Proposed-cycle-path-Bristol-railway-line-hold/story-11312471-detail/story.html|archive-date=2 January 2014|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/cyclepath-over-bristol-motorway-mooted-19159/ |title=Cyclepath over Bristol motorway mooted|date=1 November 2008 |access-date=3 January 2014|author=Pearce, Richard |work=www.BikeRadar.com |publisher=Future Publishing}}

British Rail was split into business-led sectors in the 1980s, at which time operations at Stapleton Road passed to Regional Railways. All trains along the Severn Beach Line ran to Severn Beach, but the service pattern was irregular. This was changed in the mid-1990s, with a more frequent service to Avonmouth but very few on to Severn Beach and no Sunday services. When the railway was privatised in 1997, local services were franchised to Wales & West,{{cite web|url=http://www.railwaycodes.org.uk/operators/franchises.shtm|title=UK railway franchises|date=5 May 2015|access-date=6 May 2015|author=Deaves, Phil}} which was succeeded by Wessex Trains, an arm of National Express, in 2001.{{cite web|url=http://www.walesandwest.co.uk/ |title=Wales and West |publisher=Wales & West |access-date=9 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314050333/http://www.walesandwest.co.uk/ |archive-date=14 March 2012 }} Services along the Severn Beach Line were increased to 10 per day in each direction by 2005,{{cite book|title=Bristol Railway Stations 1840–2005|publisher=Redcliffe Press|author=Oakley, Mike|year=2006|isbn=1-904537-54-5}} with Bristol City Council providing a subsidy to Wessex Trains.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4757154.stm|title=Lobby to save Severn Beach line|date=27 February 2006|access-date=16 July 2012|work=BBC News}} The Wessex franchise was amalgamated with the Great Western franchise into the Greater Western franchise from 2006, and responsibility passed to First Great Western, a subsidiary company of FirstGroup, which was rebranded in 2015 as Great Western Railway.{{cite web |url=http://www.theironroad.net/Operator/Train-Operating-Companies/Wessex-Trains/|title=Wessex Trains |work=The Iron Road: Railway Photography by Scott Borthwick|access-date=29 September 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4523592.stm|title=FirstGroup wins rail franchises|date=13 December 2005|access-date=27 April 2012|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-13351368|title=First Great Western bids for longer rail franchise deal|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=11 May 2011|access-date=27 April 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://railnews.co.uk/news/2015/09/21-the-great-western-railway-is.html|title=The Great Western Railway is back in business|date=21 September 2015|access-date=21 September 2015|work=Railnews}} A minimum service requirement was written into the franchise agreement, ensuring an hourly service along the Severn Beach Line.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/FRIENDS-MAKING-RAIL-DIFFERENCE/story-11231595-detail/story.html |title=Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways making rail difference |publisher=Northcliffe Media |work=This is Bristol |date=25 September 2010 |access-date=14 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913111203/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/FRIENDS-MAKING-RAIL-DIFFERENCE/story-11231595-detail/story.html |archive-date=13 September 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Campaigners-picnic-marks-rail-launch/story-11273781-detail/story.html|title=Campaigners' picnic marks rail launch|publisher=Northcliffe Media|work=This is Bristol|date=17 July 2010|access-date=14 April 2012}} Passenger traffic increased significantly,{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Campaigners-quick-railway-action/story-11297976-detail/story.html|title=Campaigners call for quick railway action|publisher=Northcliffe Media|work=This is Bristol|date=15 September 2010|access-date=14 April 2012}} and in 2010, Sunday services to Severn Beach were restored.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Sunday-service-puts-smiles-faces-rail-enthusiasts/story-11245243-detail/story.html|title=Sunday service puts smiles on faces of rail enthusiasts|date=24 May 2010|access-date=16 July 2012|work=This is Bristol|publisher=Northcliffe Media}}

{{Historical Rail Start}}

{{rail line|col={{GWR colour}}|rows1=6|rows2=6

|previous = {{rws|Stapleton Road}}

|route= Bristol and South Wales Union Railway
(1863-1868)

|next= {{rws|Bristol Temple Meads}}

}}

{{rail line|col={{GWR colour}}|hide1=yes|hide2=yes

|route= Great Western Railway
Bristol and South Wales Union Railway
(1868-1948)
Clifton Extension Railway
(1874-1948)

}}

{{rail line|col={{BR(W) colour}}|hide1=yes|hide2=yes

|route= Western Region of British Railways
Cross Country Route
Severn Beach Line
(1948-1982)

}}

{{rail line|col=0066BB|hide1=yes|hide2=yes

|route= Regional Railways
Cross Country Route
Severn Beach Line
(1982-1997)

}}

{{rail line|col=888888|hide1=yes|hide2=yes

|route= Wales & West
Cross Country Route
Severn Beach Line
(1997–2001)

}}

{{rail line|col=AA3366|hide1=yes|hide2=yes

|route= Wessex Trains
Cross Country Route
Severn Beach Line
(2001–2006)

}}

{{s-end}}

Future

File:Railway line view to Lawrence Hill 2012 - Flickr - Greater Bristol Metro Rail.jpg.]]

First Great Western declined a contractual option to continue the Greater Western passenger franchise beyond 2013, citing a desire for a longer-term contract due to the impending upgrade to the Great Western Main Line. The franchise was put out to tender,{{cite magazine |last= Haigh |first= Philip |title= First leads a field of seven bidding for rail franchises |magazine=Rail Magazine |issue=694 |date=18 April 2012| pages=8–9}}{{cite news|url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2012/07/19-great-western-franchise-to-be.html|title=Great Western franchise to be extended|date=19 July 2012|access-date=19 July 2012|work=Railnews}}{{cite press release |title=New Great Western franchise to deliver new express trains |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120727a/ |publisher=Department for Transport |date=27 July 2012 |access-date=29 July 2012}} but the process was halted and later scrapped due to the fallout from the collapse of the InterCity West Coast franchise competition.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21272542|title=Great Western London to south Wales rail contest scrapped|date=31 January 2013|access-date=31 January 2013|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC}} A two-year franchise extension until September 2015 was agreed in October 2013,{{cite news|url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/10/03-first-celebrates-lastminute-great-western.html|title=First celebrates last-minute Great Western deal|work=Railnews|date=3 October 2013|access-date=4 October 2013}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24378053|title=First Great Western retains Wales and west rail franchise|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=3 October 2013|access-date=4 October 2013}} and subsequently extended until March 2019.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29565156|title=First Great Western offered new franchise deal|date=10 October 2014|access-date=10 October 2014|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/oct/10/firstgroup-great-western-contract-extension-rail|title=FirstGroup wins Great Western contract extension|date=10 October 2014|access-date=10 October 2014|work=The Guardian}}{{cite news|url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2014/10/10-updated-franchise-schedule-signals-gw.html|title=Updated franchise schedule signals GW extension|date=10 October 2014|access-date=10 October 2014|work=Railnews}}

The line through Lawrence Hill was due to have been electrified by 2017 as part of the Great Western Main Line electrification project, however this has been postponed indefinitely.{{cite web|url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/uploadedFiles/networkrailcouk/Contents/Improvements/The_Great_Western/WesternVision.pdf |title=Modernising the Great Western |publisher=Network Rail |access-date=9 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413065743/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/uploadedFiles/networkrailcouk/Contents/Improvements/The_Great_Western/WesternVision.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2013 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Bristol-London-line-electrified/story-11312089-detail/story.html |title=Bristol to London line to be electrified |work=This Is Bristol |publisher=Northcliffe Media |date=23 July 2009 |access-date=5 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923070847/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Bristol-London-line-electrified/story-11312089-detail/story.html |archive-date=23 September 2013 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/further-delays-to-gwml-electrification-as-schemes-deferred-indefinitely-|title=Further delays to GWML electrification as schemes deferred indefinitely |date=8 November 2016|access-date = 8 November 2016|work=Rail Technology Magazine}} The Severn Beach Line was not set to be electrified, so services at Lawrence Hill would still have been provided by diesel trains; however "Sprinter" units are expected to be replaced by {{brc|165|c}} and {{brc|166|n}} "Turbo" units.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-19208862|title=Weston-super-Mare to London rail re-franchise concerns|date=10 August 2012|access-date=13 August 2012|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC}}{{cite magazine |last= Clinnick |first= Richard |title= How the West will win with new trains |magazine=Rail Magazine |issue=772 |date=15 April 2015| pages=58–59}} The group Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways supports the electrification continuing beyond the main lines,{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Rail-benefits-just-mainline/story-11304651-detail/story.html |title=Benefits of Bristol to London high-speed rail link 'must go beyond just mainline' |date=3 March 2011 |access-date=5 April 2012 |work=This is Bristol |publisher=Northcliffe Media |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705034621/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Rail-benefits-just-mainline/story-11304651-detail/story.html |archive-date= 5 July 2012 }}{{cite web |url=http://fosbr.org.uk/files/newsletter/11autumn.pdf |title=FoSBR Newsletter |issue=78 |publisher=Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways |date=Autumn 2011 |access-date=9 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204095719/http://www.fosbr.org.uk/files/newsletter/11autumn.pdf |archive-date=4 February 2012 |url-status=dead }} as does MP for Weston-super-Mare John Penrose.{{cite press release |url=http://www.johnpenrose.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=258:westons-rail-commuter-services-could-be-cut-warns-towns-mp&catid=48:communities-not-dormitories&Itemid=108 |title=Weston's rail commuter services could be cut, warns town's MP |date=17 July 2009 |access-date=5 April 2012 |author=Penrose, John |author-link=John Penrose |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103135443/http://www.johnpenrose.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=258%3Awestons-rail-commuter-services-could-be-cut-warns-towns-mp&catid=48%3Acommunities-not-dormitories&Itemid=108 |archive-date=3 January 2013 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/MP-takes-drive-better-rail-services/story-13697379-detail/story.html |title=MP takes drive for better rail services to top |date=29 October 2011 |access-date=5 April 2012 |work=This is Bristol |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016121452/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/MP-takes-drive-better-rail-services/story-13697379-detail/story.html |archive-date=16 October 2013 }} The electrification scheme also includes the four-tracking of Filton Bank, including the reinstatement of the disused trackbed at Lawrence Hill, to allow more services between Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads and separate fast inter-city services from local stopping services.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Green-light-long-awaited-rail-improvements/story-16547255-detail/story.html|title=Green light for long-awaited rail improvements|work=The Post, Bristol|date=17 July 2012|access-date=29 September 2013|publisher=Northcliffe Media}}{{cite journal|journal=RAIL|title=Ship-shape and Bristol fashion|author=Broadbent, Steve|issue=696|date=16–29 May 2012|pages=46–53}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-29833216|title=Bristol Temple Meads and Parkway get extra tracks|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=30 October 2014|access-date=30 October 2014}} Enhancement works to allow disabled access to both platforms will be carried out at the same time.{{cite news|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Improvements-train-station-disabled-access/story-16000046-detail/story.html|title=Improvements at train station - but what about disabled access?|date=4 May 2012|work=The Bristol Post|publisher=Northcliffe Media|access-date=3 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103165941/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Improvements-train-station-disabled-access/story-16000046-detail/story.html|archive-date=3 January 2014|df=dmy-all}}

Lawrence Hill is on the {{rws|Weston-super-Mare}}/{{rws|Yate}} corridor, one of the main axes of the Greater Bristol Metro, a rail transport plan which aims to enhance transport capacity in the Bristol area, including half-hourly services along the Severn Beach Line.{{cite web |url=http://www.westofengland.org/media/98508/item%2004%20greater%20bristol%20metro%2013%20march%202009.pdf |title=Item 04: Greater Bristol Metro |first=James |last=White |publisher=West of England Partnership |date=13 March 2009 |access-date=28 December 2011 |archive-date=15 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515034151/http://www.westofengland.org/media/98508/item%2004%20greater%20bristol%20metro%2013%20march%202009.pdf |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Campaign-trains-Bristol-Temple-Meads-half-hour/story-14446079-detail/story.html |title=Campaign for trains from Bristol Temple Meads every half-hour |work=This is Bristol |publisher=Northcliffe Media |date=17 January 2012 |access-date=19 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120002540/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Campaign-trains-Bristol-Temple-Meads-half-hour/story-14446079-detail/story.html |archive-date=20 January 2012 }} The scheme could see the reopening of the Henbury Loop Line to passengers, with the possibility of services from Bristol Temple Meads to Bristol Parkway via {{rws|Clifton Down}} and {{rws|Henbury}}.{{cite news|author=Ribbeck, Michael |publisher=Northcliffe Media |work=The Post, Bristol |date=6 July 2012 |access-date=6 July 2012 |title=£100 million Bristol Metro train network by 2016 |url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/100-million-Bristol-Metro-train-network-2016/story-16492523-detail/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708233227/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/100-million-Bristol-Metro-train-network-2016/story-16492523-detail/story.html |archive-date= 8 July 2012 }} Plans for a loop were rejected by the West of England Joint Transport Board, however Bristol City Councillors voted to send the decision back to the board for further discussion.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-33562999|title=Transport chiefs drop Henbury Loop plan|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=16 September 2015|date=17 July 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Huge-majority-rethink-decision-Henbury-Loop/story-27690968-detail/story.html|title=Huge majority back rethink on decision for Henbury Loop at a special meeting|work=Bristol Post|publisher=Local World|access-date=16 September 2015|date=28 August 2015}}

The station's lack of step-free access to the southbound platform has come under criticism from Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire, who noted that due to the time taken to get a train to Stapleton Road and then back to Temple Meads, what should be a five-minute journey could take an hour. Debbonaire stated that step-free access had been promised for some time.{{cite news|url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/disabled-bristol-rail-passengers-travel-1605615|title=Disabled Bristol rail passengers have to travel in wrong direction to get on Temple Meads trains|work=Bristol Live|date=29 May 2018|access-date=3 June 2018|publisher=InYourArea}}

Incidents

{{multiple image|direction=vertical|image1=Lawrence Hill Station Bristol 2000.jpg|image2=67002 Lawrence Hill Station, Bristol 2000.jpg|footer=A serious crash occurred at Lawrence Hill in 2000, when a mail train passed 2 red signals and hit the back of a coal train.}}

A collision occurred near Lawrence Hill on 8 January 1930, approximately {{convert|500|yds|m}} north of the station. At 5:41am, an express train from {{rws|Shrewsbury}} to {{rws|Penzance}} ran into the back of a minerals train which had stopped to pick up the brakes after descending Filton Bank. The express locomotive, GWR 4000 Class number 4063 "Bath Abbey", was derailed and badly damaged, with several coaches also being damaged. The incident was blamed on signalman A. H. Toop of the Lawrence Hill signal box, with contributing factors including lax working standards and the driver of the goods train, W. G. Atkins, failing to pull up to the signal box as required.{{cite web|author=Mount, A.H.L.|date=5 April 1930|access-date=2 January 2014|url=http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/MoT_StapletonRoadLawrenceHill1930.pdf|title=Report to the Ministry of Transport|publisher=Railways Archive}}

A similar crash occurred at Lawrence Hill on 1 November 2000, when a Royal Mail train passed two red signals and ran into the back of a coal train at around 3:30am. The mail train, hauled by English Welsh & Scottish {{brc|67}} diesel locomotive number 67002 "Special Delivery", with 67012 at the rear, was travelling at 50 mph when the incident occurred. The locomotive climbed over the back of the coal train, coming to rest {{convert|40|yds|m}} later on top of a coal wagon and against the A420 Church Road bridge. The driver of the mail train suffered a broken arm and cuts to the face and chest, but there were no other injuries.{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffandavonside.org.uk/Magazines/2001/0101mag.htm|title=Notes and News|date=January 2001|publisher=Cardiff and Avonside Railway Society|access-date=15 October 2015|quote=01/11 Disaster at Lawrence Hill! Services already affected by the weather were subject to further delays when the previous nights 5V17 23.48 Bristol Parkway-Barton Hill formed of 8 RES empty vans and top n' tailed by 67002 Special Delivery and 67012...}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1372785/Runaway-mail-train-hits-coal-wagons.html|title=Runaway mail train hits coal wagons|date=2 November 2000|work=The Daily Telegraph|author=Marston, Paul|author2=Savill, Richard |access-date=2 January 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/nov/01/transport.world1|title=Driver escapes unhurt in Bristol train crash|date=1 November 2000|access-date=3 January 2014|work=The Guardian}} The incident was initially suspected to be caused by faulty brakes, but was later found to be caused by misunderstanding and incorrect use of the locomotive's Brake Pipe Pressure Control Unit Isolating Cock by railway staff.{{cite web|url=http://www.raib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/070524_R132007_East_Didsbury.pdf|page=21|quote=The misunderstanding and incorrect use of the BPPCUIC cock on an EWS class 67 locomotive led to a serious accident at Lawrence Hill near Bristol (1 November 2000). This resulted in serious injury to a driver and significant damage to equipment.|title=Rail Accident Report: Locomotive runaway near East Didsbury, 27 August 2006|date=May 2007|publisher=Rail Accident Investigation Branch}}

Lawrence Hill is considered a blackspot for railway trespass and vandalism.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2178815.stm|title=Helicopters to cut rail vandalism|date=7 August 2002|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=2 January 2014}}

See also

Notes

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References

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