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Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
5:35pm Tuesday 13th December 2011 – Watford observer By Adam Binnie and Mike Wright » Work on a £120m rail project that will change the face of Watford and Croxley Green has been approved by the Government. An official announcement that the long-running Croxley Rail Link project has been approved is due to take place tomorrow, the Watford Observer understands. The new link will connect Croxley Station on the Metropolitan Line with currently disused track between Croxley Green and Watford High Street overground station. A colossal rail bridge will run from Baldwins Lane in Croxley Green, past the Harvester restaurant and over the dual carriageway. The new railway will then run along Watford Road, the Grand Union canal, and through west Watford, where two new stations will be built in Ascot Road and Vicarage Road. Both MP for Watford Richard Harrington and mayor Dorothy Thornhill, who have lobbied heavily for the project to go ahead, welcomed the news. Mr Harrington “I am delighted that this Government has taken this decision and invested in the future of Watford. “This development will be crucial in regenerating Watford and bringing much-needed investment in the town. “Over the last few weeks I have spoken to the Transport Secretary and the Chancellor to push for Government support as I believe it will be a pivotal boost for Watford and the start of an exciting new chapter for the town.” Mayor Thornhill added: “I have a huge grin on my face. This is something I have wanted for the town for many years. I can't pretend that I am not proud that it is my government that has granted it.” Speaking before the announcement, Mr Harrington described the project as “a major urban regeneration scheme for the poorest parts of Watford”. A three dimensional video shows the scale of new route, which is hoped to be finished by 2016, as it winds its way from Croxley Green, along the railway bridge and into Watford. ……………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………… John Burke WRUG |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
I know all the Communists of the North that frequent here will deny it. But, this government is turning out to be all our Xmas and New Years combined as far as the railways are concerned. Such relief, after the last lot, who were so determined to file away stuff like this in the cabinet marked 'to be forgotten for a very long time'. The boys are back in town. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
You really are insufferable.
|
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:53:22 -0800 (PST), allantracy
wrote: I know all the Communists of the North that frequent here will deny it. But, this government is turning out to be all our Xmas and New Years combined as far as the railways are concerned. Such relief, after the last lot, who were so determined to file away stuff like this in the cabinet marked 'to be forgotten for a very long time'. The boys are back in town. Also good to see that the locals are enthusiastic, unlike the whingers in Edinburgh who are apparently now complaining to the United Nations: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...-fife-16165656 If they are worried about air pollution, I say build a public transport system that runs on electricity and introduce a congestion charge to discourage use of cars. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On 13/12/2011 18:53, allantracy wrote:
[snip] The boys are back in town. The Transport Secretary is a lady. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
Thank jeebus sanity has finally, 50 years late, prevailed.
Huzzah! |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 7:03*pm, Scott wrote:
Also good to see that the locals are enthusiastic, unlike the whingers in Edinburgh who are apparently now complaining to the United Nations:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...-fife-16165656 If they are worried about air pollution, I say build a public transport system that runs on electricity and introduce a congestion charge to discourage use of cars. The problem is that there are always going to be whingers - ISTR a similar mob (although not going so far as to complaining to the UN!) about Croydon Tramlink, who became very silent after it had opened and proved to be a success. On the subject of Watford, I can only agree with those who say "and not before time". This is the sort of project that should be championed: relatively low-cost and largely using disused or under- used heavy rail lines, to optimise their utility. For historical interest, here's a pic of Croxley Green as was: http://www.flickr.com/photos/6053903...57626997351648 |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 6:00*pm, burkey wrote:
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government 5:35pm Tuesday 13th December 2011 – Watford observer By Adam Binnie and Mike Wright » Work on a £120m rail project that will change the face of Watford and Croxley Green has been approved by the Government. An official announcement that the long-running Croxley Rail Link project has been approved is due to take place tomorrow, the Watford Observer understands. The new link will connect Croxley Station on the Metropolitan Line with currently disused track between Croxley Green and Watford High Street overground station. A colossal rail bridge will run from Baldwins Lane in Croxley Green, past the Harvester restaurant and over the dual carriageway. The new railway will then run along Watford Road, the Grand Union canal, and through west Watford, where two new stations will be built in Ascot Road and Vicarage Road. Both MP for Watford Richard Harrington and mayor Dorothy Thornhill, who have lobbied heavily for the project to go ahead, welcomed the news. Mr Harrington “I am delighted that this Government has taken this decision and invested in the future of Watford. “This development will be crucial in regenerating Watford and bringing much-needed investment in the town. “Over the last few weeks I have spoken to the Transport Secretary and the Chancellor to push for Government support as I believe it will be a pivotal boost for Watford and the start of an exciting new chapter for the town.” Mayor Thornhill added: “I have a huge grin on my face. This is something I have wanted for the town for many years. I can't pretend that I am not proud that it is my government that has granted it.” Speaking before the announcement, Mr Harrington described the project as “a major urban regeneration scheme for the poorest parts of Watford”. A three dimensional video shows the scale of new route, which is hoped to be finished by 2016, as it winds its way from Croxley Green, along the railway bridge and into Watford. GREAT NEWS! However, approved does not mean funded? What do we know about funding? |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 6:53*pm, allantracy wrote:
I know all the Communists of the North that frequent here will deny it. But, this government is turning out to be all our Xmas and New Years combined as far as the railways are concerned. Such relief, after the last lot, who were so determined to file away stuff like this in the cabinet marked 'to be forgotten for a very long time'. The boys are back in town. Given the dire times in which we live, things are looking pretty good for the UK's railroads. Don't expect the liberal whingers here to concede the point. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 8:00*pm, Jamie Thompson wrote:
Thank jeebus sanity has finally, 50 years late, prevailed. Amen. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 8:37*pm, The Gardener wrote:
On Dec 13, 7:03*pm, Scott wrote: Also good to see that the locals are enthusiastic, unlike the whingers in Edinburgh who are apparently now complaining to the United Nations:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...-fife-16165656 If they are worried about air pollution, I say build a public transport system that runs on electricity and introduce a congestion charge to discourage use of cars. The problem is that there are always going to be whingers - ISTR a similar mob (although not going so far as to complaining to the UN!) about Croydon Tramlink, who became very silent after it had opened and proved to be a success. On the subject of Watford, I can only agree with those who say "and not before time". This is the sort of project that should be championed: relatively low-cost and largely using disused or under- used heavy rail lines, to optimise their utility. 1948 would have been a good time to start this project, :-), if not sooner. For historical interest, here's a pic of Croxley Green as was: http://www.flickr.com/photos/6053903.../set-721576269... |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 7:30*pm, Star Fury wrote:
On 13/12/2011 18:53, allantracy wrote: [snip] The boys are back in town. The Transport Secretary is a lady. This has been pointed out to Allan before. He has difficulty recognising the genders of politicians, bless him. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 6:53*pm, allantracy wrote:
I know all the Communists of the North that frequent here will deny it. There must been a massive swing to the left, then. I remember you telling us that socialism was dead, but now you're saying Communism is alive and well in the North. At least you're consistently inconsistent. Idiot. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
"77002" wrote in message
... However, approved does not mean funded? What do we know about funding? It was one of a number of local authority development pool schemes, and included on the second part of a list published last month by DfT, for which a funding decision was to be made in mid December. The first part of the document was the projects awarded funding last month in the Autumn Statement. http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/local-authority-major-schemes-development-pools/lams-development-pools-update.pdf Paul S |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
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Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
Once upon a time, allantracy wrote:
I know all the Communists of the North that frequent here will deny it. Just because it doesn't serve M*ddl*sbr**gh doesn't means it's a communist plot. :) But, this government is turning out to be all our Xmas and New Years combined as far as the railways are concerned. Not quite. But so far, the coalition does indeed seem to be good for the railways. The Liberals have always been fans of public transport of course, and the Tories (bar Major) have a reasonable track record in that department too. It's Labour who seem to be bad news where public transport is concerned. Such relief, after the last lot, who were so determined to file away stuff like this in the cabinet marked 'to be forgotten for a very long time'. Agreed. Though this should have been done decades ago - seems it's been in the planning since 1948! The boys are back in town. What is this gender obsession you have? The Conservatives' greatest leader in recent times was female, as is the current transport secretary. We have close to full equality in this country and its done society and business a world of good. It really does not matter whether someone is male, female, TG, or other. People are people and anyone with a brain and a half decent education can achieve whatever they want. Regardless of what bits they happen to have. -- - The Iron Jelloid |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 9:26*pm, wrote:
In article , (77002) wrote: On Dec 13, 8:37*pm, The Gardener wrote: On the subject of Watford, I can only agree with those who say "and not before time". This is the sort of project that should be championed: relatively low-cost and largely using disused or under- used heavy rail lines, to optimise their utility. 1948 would have been a good time to start this project, :-), if not sooner. 1925, surely, when the Met branch was built? IIRC the LNWR/LMS DC line was their answer to the Met. and Metroland. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 9:04*pm, "Paul Scott"
wrote: "77002" wrote in message ... However, approved does not mean funded? What do we know about funding? It was one of a number of local authority development pool schemes, and included on the second part of a list published last month by DfT, for which a funding decision was to be made in mid December. *The first part of the document was the projects awarded funding last month in the Autumn Statement. http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/local-authority-major-schemes-d... Excellent. The may actually happen. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
In message
, 77002 wrote: 1948 would have been a good time to start this project, :-), if not sooner. 1925, surely, when the Met branch was built? IIRC the LNWR/LMS DC line was their answer to the Met. and Metroland. Given that it opened in 1912 (being a branch off the 1862 branch to Rickmansworth), I think not. -- Clive D.W. Feather | Home: Mobile: +44 7973 377646 | Web: http://www.davros.org Please reply to the Reply-To address, which is: |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On 13/12/2011 19:30, Star Fury wrote:
On 13/12/2011 18:53, allantracy wrote: [snip] The boys are back in town. The Transport Secretary is a lady. She is? -- Graeme Wall This account not read, substitute trains for rail. Railway Miscellany at www.greywall.demon.co.uk/rail |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 9:04*pm, "Paul Scott"
wrote: "77002" wrote in message ... However, approved does not mean funded? What do we know about funding? It was one of a number of local authority development pool schemes, and included on the second part of a list published last month by DfT, for which a funding decision was to be made in mid December. *The first part of the document was the projects awarded funding last month in the Autumn Statement. http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/local-authority-major-schemes-d... Paul S It will be interesting to see what today's announcement says about how much funding will come from Watford and Herts councils. I hope we won't still be reading posts copied from the Watford Observer in a few years time, describing arguments over funding between local councillors. Dominic |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
"Dominic" wrote in message
... It will be interesting to see what today's announcement says about how much funding will come from Watford and Herts councils. I hope we won't still be reading posts copied from the Watford Observer in a few years time, describing arguments over funding between local councillors. You don't get the DfT contribution to these type of projects confirmed until/unless the local authority portion is guaranteed AFAICT... Paul S |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 7:03*pm, Scott wrote:
If they are worried about air pollution, I say build a public transport system that runs on electricity and introduce a congestion charge to discourage use of cars. Their complaint appears to be raised pollution caused by diversions during the endlessly protracted building of said electric transport system. Which is a not unreasonable point: if public transport is to be built, it shouldn't be built as incompetently as has happened in Edinburgh. ian |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 14, 6:26*am, 77002 wrote:
http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/local-authority-major-schemes-d.... Excellent. *The may actually happen. A local authority funded piece of transport infrastructure? Excellent: the success of Edinburgh replicated in Watford. ian |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
"allantracy" wrote in message ... I know all the Communists of the North that frequent here will deny it. But, this government is turning out to be all our Xmas and New Years combined as far as the railways are concerned. Such relief, after the last lot, who were so determined to file away stuff like this in the cabinet marked 'to be forgotten for a very long time'. The boys are back in town. I do think that you are wrong in saying that the last lot would have done nothing about it. They would have had another public enquiry and invited all stakeholders to put their cases to it (complete with the usual lawyers, etc). Few million down the drain and nothing to show for it as usual. And we aren't all communists up here either! It is good to see a government that is approving projects rather than going through the motions. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
"burkey" wrote: Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government 5:35pm Tuesday 13th December 2011 – Watford observer By Adam Binnie and Mike Wright » Work on a £120m rail project that will change the face of Watford and Croxley Green has been approved by the Government. An official announcement that the long-running Croxley Rail Link project has been approved is due to take place tomorrow, the Watford Observer understands. [...] And here is the DfT announcement: http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press20111214 Relevant bullet point: ---quote--- Croxley Rail Link (Watford). Extension of the Metropolitan line from Croxley to Watford Junction mainline station plus two new stations (inc closure of current Watford Met line station). (£76.2m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £115.9m). ---/quote--- |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 9:26*pm, wrote:
In article , (77002) wrote: On Dec 13, 8:37*pm, The Gardener wrote: On the subject of Watford, I can only agree with those who say "and not before time". This is the sort of project that should be championed: relatively low-cost and largely using disused or under- used heavy rail lines, to optimise their utility. 1948 would have been a good time to start this project, :-), if not sooner. 1925, surely, when the Met branch was built? -- Colin Rosenstiel Well, the Met branch as it stands is only half the job - it was intended to continue under the park, weave a little south, then head up under Clarendon Road to Watford Junction...upon which I suspect the Met had set it's eyes on the St. Albans branch. New station to be provided at Watford Town where Clarendon Road meets the High Street, currently the famous Weatherspoons station :) This is pretty much the only proposal that would be better than the Croxley rail link, and even then it doesn't offer a station in the centre of west Watford, though it does offer one at the top end of town, where one would be most welcome. ....phase 2 of my plans are now to get the diveunder south of Watford Junction built next :) Having done some musing about the situation around there, I wonder if the branch does prove popular, that there won't be the capacity for Chiltern to run services from Amersham over it. In that case, reinstate the disused line to Rickmansworth up to where the Met crosses it, then build a grade-separated junction up to the fast lines. Chiltern gets to skip the local stations at Croxley, Ascot Road and Watford Hospital, and the Met can terminate some services at the current Watford Met to free paths for Chiltern services. Watford High Street is going to become quite the bottleneck even without all these... |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 14, 1:40*pm, Jamie Thompson wrote:
Well, the Met branch as it stands is only half the job - it was intended to continue under the park, weave a little south, then head up under Clarendon Road to Watford Junction...upon which I suspect the Met had set it's eyes on the St. Albans branch. New station to be provided at Watford Town where Clarendon Road meets the High Street, currently the famous Weatherspoons station :) I've been following this project for years and have all the literature I can find on the Met in Watford and this is the first time I've ever come across any suggestion that the Met was considering extending beyond its town centre site at 44 High Street. Care to substantiate or provide a source? THC |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
"Mizter T" wrote in message
... And here is the DfT announcement: http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press20111214 Relevant bullet point: ---quote--- Croxley Rail Link (Watford). Extension of the Metropolitan line from Croxley to Watford Junction mainline station plus two new stations (inc closure of current Watford Met line station). (£76.2m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £115.9m). ---/quote--- So - despite all the handwringing when these 45 projects were supposedly put on the back burner by the current lot, 45 of 45 have eventually been approved, after various cost estimates have been whittled down. Is there a positive story here after all? Paul S |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
What is this gender obsession you have? *The Conservatives' greatest leader in recent times was female, as is the current transport secretary. *We have close to full equality in this country and its done society and business a world of good. *It really does not matter whether someone is male, female, TG, or other. *People are people and anyone with a brain and a half decent education can achieve whatever they want. Regardless of what bits they happen to have. Agreed, of course. But, come on, they are different, albeit in such a nice way. It's Labour that brings out the worst in us blokes, in the bloke club, all that positive selection and quota crap and actually taking Harperson seriously when she is quite clearly deranged. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 14, 7:49*am, "Clive D. W. Feather" wrote:
In message , 77002 wrote: 1948 would have been a good time to start this project, :-), if not sooner. 1925, surely, when the Met branch was built? IIRC the LNWR/LMS DC line was their answer to the Met. and Metroland. Given that it opened in 1912 (being a branch off the 1862 branch to Rickmansworth), I think not. However, I suspect that electrification of said lines was. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 14, 8:47*am, Dominic wrote:
On Dec 13, 9:04*pm, "Paul Scott" wrote: "77002" wrote in message .... However, approved does not mean funded? What do we know about funding? It was one of a number of local authority development pool schemes, and included on the second part of a list published last month by DfT, for which a funding decision was to be made in mid December. *The first part of the document was the projects awarded funding last month in the Autumn Statement. http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/local-authority-major-schemes-d.... Paul S It will be interesting to see what today's announcement says about how much funding will come from Watford and Herts councils. I hope we won't still be reading posts copied from the Watford Observer in a few years time, describing arguments over funding between local councillors. Lest's hope for the best. It would be a pitty to lose this project because of local squabes now. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On 13/12/11 18:00, burkey wrote:
Work on a £120m rail project that will change the face of Watford and Croxley Green has been approved by the Government. antipolson Typical. Another vast and expensive public works contract for the heavily subsidised south east to be paid for by the Scottish taxpayer. The sooner the southeasterners get independence and stop leaching off the rest of us the better. Some of my best friends come from the southeast. /antipolson Ian |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 14, 5:08*pm, THC wrote:
On Dec 14, 1:40*pm, Jamie Thompson wrote: Well, the Met branch as it stands is only half the job - it was intended to continue under the park, weave a little south, then head up under Clarendon Road to Watford Junction...upon which I suspect the Met had set it's eyes on the St. Albans branch. New station to be provided at Watford Town where Clarendon Road meets the High Street, currently the famous Weatherspoons station :) I've been following this project for years and have all the literature I can find on the Met in Watford and this is the first time I've ever come across any suggestion that the Met was considering extending beyond its town centre site at 44 High Street. *Care to substantiate or provide a source? THC IIRC, it is apparently documented in "London's Lost Railways" (http:// books.google.co.uk/books?id=b409AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=watford +metropolitan+station+high+street#v=onepage&q=watf ord%20metropolitan %20station%20high%20street&f=false), and "West of Watford" along with a map, apparently. I've never seen those however, my information is third-hand. It's also documented in the Wetherspoons on the wall in one of their little information panels, abet as text only. Someone posted some excerpts he http://districtdave.proboards.com/in...16444&pa ge=1 |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
In message
, 77002 wrote: 1948 would have been a good time to start this project, :-), if not sooner. 1925, surely, when the Met branch was built? IIRC the LNWR/LMS DC line was their answer to the Met. and Metroland. Given that it opened in 1912 (being a branch off the 1862 branch to Rickmansworth), I think not. However, I suspect that electrification of said lines was. The New Lines to Watford Junction, and the Bushey Triangle (to give access to Croxley depot) were electrified in 1917, basically as soon as the Bakerloo Line was ready to use it. The Croxley Green branch was electrified in 1922 and the Rickmansworth branch in 1927. This is just as likely to be post-war austerity and dealing with Grouping as any other reason. -- Clive D.W. Feather | Home: Mobile: +44 7973 377646 | Web: http://www.davros.org Please reply to the Reply-To address, which is: |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
"Clive D. W. Feather" wrote The New Lines to Watford Junction, and the Bushey Triangle (to give access to Croxley depot) were electrified in 1917, basically as soon as the Bakerloo Line was ready to use it. The Croxley Green branch was electrified in 1922 and the Rickmansworth branch in 1927. This is just as likely to be post-war austerity and dealing with Grouping as any other reason. The Met Watford branch was opened in 1925, and electrified from the start, though for the first few months half the service was provided by steam GC trains from Marylebone. There was also, until 1934, a shuttle service between Rickmansworth and Watford. When the Croxley link is opened is there a case for an Amersham to Watford Junction service, as well as Met trains from Aldgate/Baker Street? Peter |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
"Peter Masson" wrote in message ... "Clive D. W. Feather" wrote The New Lines to Watford Junction, and the Bushey Triangle (to give access to Croxley depot) were electrified in 1917, basically as soon as the Bakerloo Line was ready to use it. The Croxley Green branch was electrified in 1922 and the Rickmansworth branch in 1927. This is just as likely to be post-war austerity and dealing with Grouping as any other reason. The Met Watford branch was opened in 1925, and electrified from the start, though for the first few months half the service was provided by steam GC trains from Marylebone. There was also, until 1934, a shuttle service between Rickmansworth and Watford. When the Croxley link is opened is there a case for an Amersham to Watford Junction service, as well as Met trains from Aldgate/Baker Street? There is a capability to do that, but it does not form part of the current business case: ""Whilst Croxley Rail Link does not prevent a service between Amersham and Watford in the future, the project's objectives will not be changed to include it at this stage. The project is focusing its resources in achieving the current preferred scheme. A separate business case and funding bid would need to be completed to obtain the funding to offer an extended service to Amersham." From this recent FAQ: http://www.croxleyraillink.com/media...y%20issues.pdf Paul S |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Dec 13, 6:53*pm, allantracy wrote:
I know all the Communists of the North that frequent here will deny it. But, this government is turning out to be all our Xmas and New Years combined as far as the railways are concerned. Such relief, after the last lot, who were so determined to file away stuff like this in the cabinet marked 'to be forgotten for a very long time'. The boys are back in town. Whilst I dont have much sympathy for the "last lot" it could be that even they saw how bonkers the scheme is economically. As did all those that came before them. If you read the business case you will see that most of the passengers are expected to switch from other public transport, so weakening that. Not much more than 200 per day are forecast to switch from car, and we are going to spend £100m+ to achieve that. This is going to cost more than the Humber bridge and is forecast to have only a quarter of the users. Perhaps we need a Croxley Bridge Board who should have to bear all the capital costs and charge passengers a toll in their tickets. |
Croxley Rail Link plan approved by Government
On Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:53:01 -0800 (PST), Grumpy
wrote: Whilst I dont have much sympathy for the "last lot" it could be that even they saw how bonkers the scheme is economically. As did all those that came before them. If you read the business case you will see that most of the passengers are expected to switch from other public transport, so weakening that. Not much more than 200 per day are forecast to switch from car, and we are going to spend =A3100m+ to achieve that. Agree 100%. The scheme seems to have been dreamt up by people with LMS*, an affliction common among trainspotters and some politicians and their officials. (*Lines on a Map Syndrome) |
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