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Written by Tom Cripps - 23 Dec 2015
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Location notes
Update March 2017: This crossing has now been closed.


Spondon Foot Crossing is a small, gated crossing on the Midland Main Line, about two miles South East of Derby in the East Midlands of England. The station of Spondon is around half a mile away with services from Matlock to Nottingham/Newark Castle and Nottingham - Birmingham New Street/Cardiff Central.
The crossing is also over a partially disused siding. As the siding is gated off from the crossing.
Railway type and traffic
There are two passenger operators that serve the line.
  • CrossCountry: 170s are the most regular of the company. There is a once daily Nottingham - Bournemouth service that has a 220/221 on it and occasional diverts with HSTs too.
  • East Midlands Trains: 153s, 156s, 158s, 222s and HSTs are regular on this line.
    There are also some non-passenger services to the likes of Derby Bombardier Litchurch Lane. There is a once/twice weekly aggregate train from Humberstone Road. The freight traction is mostly 66s and the occasional 60. Test Trains are the most plentiful for non-passenger workings to and from Derby RTC and regularly use heritage traction. DCR operate scrap trains through the location utilising 56s and there are also light engine moves.
  • Link to Real Time Trains
    RTT Link Spondon Foot Crossing
    This link should be close to the location, but may not be the actual location so please check the page. This link will take you to what is happening 'around now'. Dates and times can be changed at the top of the page.
    Environment
    There are trees from which you can shelter yourself under. The crossing is underused so the most people you will see there in a day is about 10. Most if not all of these are nice individuals.
    Road directions
    From the M1, Junction 25:
    Follow the A52 towards Derby and follow the brown signs to Alton Towers onto the A5111. Take the exit signed "Service Roads Celanese" and then the first exit at the roundabout onto the East service road. Turn right onto Megaloughton Lane and after the Cemex plan the lay-by is on the left.

    Click here to set up your location for directions to this location

    Spondon Foot Crossing map co-ordinates
    Parking
    You can leave your car either from the North on a small muddy track or park it in the lay-by right next to the foot crossing entrance on Celanease Road.
    Public transport
    Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
    Amenities
    There is a local superstore, ASDA around quarter a mile away in Chaddesden, next to the A52 'Brian Clough Way'. It has toilets, somewhere to eat and also a petrol station.
    Sun Compass
    Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
    It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
    Spondon Foot Crossing

    Googly map
    Streetmap links
    Spondon Foot Crossing general view map
    Spondon Foot Crossing close up map

    Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
    Spondon Foot Crossing



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    Photographic notes
    Update March 2017: This crossing has now been closed.


    The lighting is best in the summer when the sun is above the trees. As for winter, the traffic heading north is fine for photos as it is basically head-on. You can shoot trains moving in both directions, though the ones heading north generally provide a better outcome. The best angle is to be on the side of the wind turbine.


    General views - All photographs © Tom Cripps unless otherwise stated
    Fig 1 - Looking east

    
Fig 1 - Looking east


    Fig 2 - Looking west

    
Fig 2 - Looking west


    Location Video



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