Re: Extra Blacktown platform (was: St Leonards, NSW)

["Garry Hoddinett" <hoddos@netspace.net.au>]

WhaleOilBeefHooked <daproc@spambait.umpires.com> wrote in message
7ukd25$dt2$2@news1.mpx.com.au">news:7ukd25$dt2$2@news1.mpx.com.au...
> Firstly, there is room at Blacktown for an additional platform - Hornsby
is hard pressed for room.
>
> Secondly, Blacktown has a need during the Olympics, for turning around
> trains - Hornsby does not fill this requirement.
>
There is room to the east of Platform 1 to enable this platform to be
converted to an island type platform.  In fact until they built the commuter
car park there was a stub track for about 2/3 carriage lengths at the
northern end of Platform 1.  This was a remnant of the siding that used to
enable steam trains to access the depot.  This siding could have been
extended along the eastern side of Platform 1 to join the UP North Shore
line at the southern end of Hornsby station.  CityRail has long identified
and wanted this area to build another platform.

Hornsby has a need to turn around trains 365 days per year (366 next year!)
24 hours per day - not for a few weeks in September and October next year.
There must be something wrong if Blacktown cannot cope with six platforms!