Hertford Loop Line

Infobox rail line
name = Hertford Loop Line
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type = Heavy rail
system =
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locale = Greater London
Hertfordshire
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owner = Network Rail
operator = First Capital Connect
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stock = British Rail Class 313
British Rail Class 317
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gauge = Standard gauge
el = 25 kV AC OHLE
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map_state = collapsedThe Hertford Loop Line is a branch of the East Coast Main Line.

First Capital Connect operates suburban services along the Hertford Loop Line between London King's Cross or Moorgate, and Letchworth, Stevenage or Hertford North. Occasionally, National Express East Coast trains operate non-stop along the route when diverted off the main section of the East Coast Main Line, due to engineering work. There is a siding to the north of Bowes Park which is occasionally used to turn around National Express East Coast trains heading for the Bounds Green Depot. There are also terminal platforms at Hertford North and Gordon Hill, the latter acting as a terminus during peak hours only.

The line is about 24 miles long, and was opened in three stages between 1871 and 1924. Grade-separated junctions connect each end of the northbound track with the main line. The route is electrified using the 25kV AC OHLE system.

Route and settlements served

The Hertford Loop Line leaves the East Coast Main Line just south of Stevenage.

*Watton-at-Stone, serving the village of Watton-at-Stone
*Hertford North, serving the town of Hertford
*Bayford, serving the villages of Bayford and Brickendon
*Cuffley, serving the villages of Cuffley, Northaw and Goffs Oak
*Crews Hill, serving the village of Crews Hill
*Gordon Hill, serving the northern area of Enfield and Forty Hill
*Enfield Chase, serving Enfield Town
*Grange Park, serving Grange Park
*Winchmore Hill, serving Winchmore Hill
*Palmers Green, serving Palmers Green
*Bowes Park, serving Bowes Park and Wood Green

It rejoins the East Coast Main Line north of Alexandra Palace railway station.

References

Hornby, Frank (1995) "London Commuter Lines. Volume 1: Main lines north of the Thames". Kettering: Silver Link Publishing Ltd.