Bristol's last stretch of purely 'Midland Railway' metals is no more.

[whole diary]

[JayMac]

I've been meaning to post this for some time, but kept forgetting.

The short freight stub from Lawrence Hill (Easton Road) Junction to Barrow Road in the St Phillip's area of Bristol was severed from the main line between Temple Meads and Filton sometime in the last couple of months.

Since the 'Avon Binliner' trains ceased running from the Waste Transfer Terminal at Barrow Road, this stretch of line had only seen very occasional use as a temporary siding for locos or Network Rail maintenance rolling stock.

Last month I noticed that the track from the branch had been cut where it joins the main line. This was once part of the Midland Railway's extensive track work in the area, joining up at its west end with the MR^▸ (Midland Railway) line from Mangotsfield and Bath Green Park into Bristol St Phillips Station and goods sidings.

[TonyK]

I hadn't noticed that. I am surprised, as I walk over the St Philips Causeway bridge on my way to / from work a couple of times weekly, and it seemed to be in regular use as a storage siding. This could explain the presence of a number of car transporting wagons just south of Dr Days for a few days recently. Maybe they would have gone into the old binliner siding before?

[brooklea]

I notice that the missing rail and crossing has been re-instated sometime in the last month or two - the Midland Railway makes a comeback in Bristol! I wonder whether this line will ever see another train pass along it....

[JayMac]

I too have noticed (just yesterday) that the connection to the Barrow Road stub has been er, reconnected.

Just surmising, but I wonder whether if it is to be used as a handy siding for Network Rail stuff needed for the forthcoming four tracking and leccyfication of Filton Bank.

Also noted that space has been cleared further up the line for something or other. 'Carillion' (well known for railway civil engineering) signs have been attached to the fencing at Stapleton Road...

Four Track, Imminently?

[TonyK]

Four Track, Imminently?

I see what you did there, bnm!

That place at SRD saw the reduction of Easton Roots garden centre by around 50%. It was originally cleared for what was supposed to be the amendment of the footbridge, but which became to replacement of the footbridge. It was then used, along with the interpontal section, during the fettling of the stone bridge over Stapleton Road. I suspect you are right - it is a good place to store kit for the resignalling, requadrification, and leccifying projects. I often buy ingredients and / or lunch at Sweetmart in St Marks Road (other ethnic food outlets are available, but they're nowhere near as good), so I shall keep an eye open.