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Written by Marcus Dawson - 17 Sep 2007
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Location notes
This is a foot crossing on the 6.5 mile Watford to St Albans Abbey branch line. It is about 1/2 a mile south east of the St Albans Abbey station..
For more information about the line and it's history go to The Abbeyline Website
Railway type and traffic
In a day you will see one unit working the line, all day. This has been either Class 313, 321 or 150 on occasion.
Charters are very rare due to pathing constraints and test trains have been know to visit on an annual basis.
Engineering is more likely to be carried out by road rail equipment.
Environment
St Albans is a busy city, the area here is just outside the Historic St Albans Abbey and as such will often have tourists milling around. This area is opposite some houses with a business park at the end of the footpath. There is also a childrens playground in the park opposite.
Road directions
From the M25, Junction 21a:
Head north up the A405 and at the first roundabout take the first exit along the B4630. There is a petrol station here, the road is to it\'s left. Follow this road straight along and into St Albans. Just after the first roundabout you will come to you will see St Albans Abbey station on the left. After you pass the station you will see a junction in the road, turn right into Prospect Road and continue to the end. At the end turn right onto CottonMill Lane and follow the road round taking either the first right on Priory Walk, or if you miss it the second right onto Abbots Avenue, then tourn right onto Berners Drive and the location is at the end of this road.

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St Albans, Berners Drive Crossing, Abbeyline map co-ordinates
Parking
Park you car, considerately, in the road.
Public transport
You could get the train from Watford Junction.
You can also get the train to St Albans City and walk the mile or so, just follow the signs to the abbey. From St Albans Abbey Station the location will be a 5 minute walk.

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Amenities
In the business park there is a McDonnalds. Follow the path on the opposite side to the childrens playground up to the business park. The 'food' outlet is in the far corner.
Accommodation
As a tourist centre there will be plenty of places to stay in St Albans
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.
St Albans, Berners Drive Crossing, Abbeyline

Googly map
Streetmap links
St Albans, Berners Drive Crossing, Abbeyline general view map
St Albans, Berners Drive Crossing, Abbeyline close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
St Albans, Berners Drive Crossing, Abbeyline



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Photographic notes
Coming from the Abbey station direction trains are heading south east, but the line curves through this location and they end up heading south. The crossing fences are quite low and it should be easy to shoot over them. There is little in the way of noise other than children playing or people walking around.


General views - All photographs © Marcus Dawson unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south east


Fig 1 - Looking south east


Fig 2 - Looking south east


Fig 2 - Looking south east


Fig 3 - Looking north west


Fig 3 - Looking north west


Fig 4 - Looking south east


Fig 4 - Looking south east


Fig 5 - Looking north west



Fig 5 - Looking north west


Fig 6 - The location



Fig 6 - The location


Fig 7 - The location



Fig 7 - The location


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