Media centre

Tuesday 23 Dec 2003

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Region & Route:

WHAT – As part of the modernisation of the West Coast Main Line, the railway bridge over the River Meece in Staffordshire is being renewed. It is a particularly delicate operation because at the precise point where the railway crosses the river, there is a road crossing over both. Therefore, once the old bridge has been demolished, a new railway bridge will be slid into place over the river and underneath the road bridge, using a multi-wheeled vehicle. (NB – this vehicle moves at approximately half a metre per hour so it will be like watching paint dry!) WHEN – There are a number of opportunities during the work, which takes place between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. ·        The existing track will be removed between 2200 on 24/12 and 0600 on 25/12. ·        The bridge deck is due to be demolished, commencing at 1800 on 25/12. ·        The new bridge deck is due to be slid into place. Commencing at 0700 on 27/12. This aspect of the work is scheduled to take 16 hours! ·        The new track is due to be laid, commencing at midnight on 29/12. WHERE – Shallowford, Staffordshire, between Stafford and Norton Bridge stations – see map attached. VIEWING – There will be no access to the site. However, photographs can be taken from the nearby public roads.