Bridlington semaphores replaced by colour lights

A SIGNALLING upgrade at Bridlington on the Yorkshire Coast line has seen its semaphore signals replaced with colour lights controlled by a new NX (entry exit) panel.

Just days before the work took place, a Grade II historic building designation was obtained on October 20, as the ’box is the only surviving large 10-bay North Eastern Railway Type S1a signalbox. As a result, the 65-lever frame in the box – which dates from 1893 – remains in place but disconnected. Because the operating floor had been partitioned many years ago, the new panel has been installed in a room in the unused section at the south west end of the ’box.

As built, the ’box, originally named Bridlington South, had 125 levers to cope with locos running on and off shed, as well as trains using the excursion platforms and carriage stabling sidings. A decline in traffic from the 1960s led to a reduction in track and platforms being used and land originally used by the carriage sidings is now home to a supermarket.

The signalling upgrade means the only remaining semaphore signals between Hull and Scarborough are to be found at the level crossing on Station Lane, Gristhorpe.

During the line closure, some track was also renewed in the station area.

Left: The surviving 65-lever frame. On the right of the photo is the separate room which was created after the original number of levers was reduced.

NETWORK RAIL BOTH: Above: The new NX panel in place.