MANCHESTER - 7

[42psi]

Not there on the days mentioned so can't be sure what caused the actual circumstances with the closing/opening of Delta for the globespan ...


However........Twys Delta & Lima are both (normally!!) open (so two not one T2 routes, usually Lima outbound/Delta inbound, 777's use Delta outbound) but with follow-me's during night hours as temporarily diverted centre lines on both are unlit.


There has been works (pits/cabling)in the grass areas alongside Alpha/Delta causing temporary closures of Delta for safety reasons and to allow contractors access to the working areas - mainly at night - although this (the night work) should now be finished for the moment.


There has recently been a temporary closure (hours not days) of Delta to allow some minor repairs opposite the fire station.


Where taxi-ways have been temporarily closed for running repairs they can be opened again at very short notice if it helps resolve a ground movement issue and it's safe to do.e.g. the work was completed and the repair is being given time to "set".

If ATC have a potential ground movement problem/bottleneck, a check of the repair shows it's set quicker than expected so taxiway can be re-opened. It can also be the case that the section closed off/re-opened is precautionary to allow nearby works.

Again if the works have not yet started/are finishing early etc., or the workers can be quickly moved away to a safe spot then it would make sense to open (even temp.) if it helps.


Finally.... sometimes the barriers are placed in positions (such as junction Bravo/Alpha opposite viewing park) to prevent a/c going down a "dead-end" if they take a wrong turn when the work is taking place somewhere else.


You'll often see these removed quickly and then replaced to allow entry/exit to perhaps Ocean Sky/Engine Test Bay etc.


It's not unusual to close sections of taxiways for thing like refreshing paint markings etc when the opportunity arises.

Again if there's no safety issue and there's a need they can be opened again just as easy.



Hope that helps ....


added: if the Singapore was under tow was it going to/from the ETB or the maint. hangar ?? ...... very unusual for the Singapore to be towed anywhere??