Bridge the gap

[Silver Fox Phil]

Great news from the Great Central Railway, they have agreed a partnership with Network Rail to bridge the gap and have began the process of raising the first million pounds to get the bridge sections in. A target date of the end of 2014 has been given for the bridge sections to be in place.
You can read all about it at www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify/
Our good member MHL has uploaded a photo in the gallery that is an interesting old shot of the bridge as it used to be. We can have that again sooner rather than later. I will be making my first small contribution this week, and as they say every pound received is a pound less to find!!
A very excited Silver Fox!!!
Cheers
Phil

[Madcaravanner]

Last visit to the site for 2 weeks as we are away but it's a shame that the bridge over the A61 bypass at Chesterfield is no use (it's single track) it isn't in use yet has to be maintained so why not move it and it's cheaper than a new bridge

just a thought shame no one will do it

[steam for ever]

Thanks for posting! I'm very happy to hear this as to be honest I was having doubts.

[John H-T]

Good News. Thanks for letting us know Phil..

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[draximus]

Just seen this story being reported on BBC news http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...shire-22728920

[Ploughman]

Originally Posted by Madcaravanner

Last visit to the site for 2 weeks as we are away but it's a shame that the bridge over the A61 bypass at Chesterfield is no use (it's single track) it isn't in use yet has to be maintained so why not move it and it's cheaper than a new bridge

just a thought shame no one will do it

Well they are recycling 2 old bridges displaced from the works at Reading.
These had to be moved as part of the renewal works so why not leave the A61 as a bridge in the "Bank" for someone else.
The new bridge will also be single track only.

[Silver Fox Phil]

Unfortunately Bryan, it has to be single track as I believe there are a number of issues regarding this. One being cost of course and the fact that we have two bridge sections ready to go has saved a massive amount if cash. The embankment is also an issue due to the company Percy Sparks having land so close to the original site of the old embankment, and there is less width to play with resulting in a single track. With today's modern technology it will be possible to reinstate a much reduced width of embankment. So as far as I am aware this section will be always single track. Having said that at least the ambition to join up the two sections of the GCR is now on target for completion. It also gives access to the main line and that too is a real bonus.
All the best
Phil

[draximus]

Single track running over this bridge isn't a real problem, it's just a matter of running to timetable and reliable signalling and point switching I would presume?

[boilersuit]

The single track in itself isn't a problem; every other preserved standard gauge railway in the UK is almost entirely single track. It's just that the GCR prides itself on being the country's only double-track preserved railway, and being forced to accept this section of single track must be tad irritating for them!

[Silver Fox Phil]

Originally Posted by boilersuit

The single track in itself isn't a problem; every other preserved standard gauge railway in the UK is almost entirely single track. It's just that the GCR prides itself on being the country's only double-track preserved railway, and being forced to accept this section of single track must be tad irritating for them!

Also bear in mind that the whole of the GCR north is also single track! I believe that wont change either. However who knows what the long term future will bring. What I do know is that the first target needs to be achieved before they even think about the other issues. Exciting times
All the best
Phil