Cotswold Line redoubling: 2008 - 2011

[whole diary]

[willc]

Things are really progressing well in the last phase.

I've heard that the present turn back signal at Moreton is a temporary measure (whence no back LED light), the new semaphore signal hasn't appeared in time.  Looks like they may have cut & chopped the old down semaphore which was by the signal box.  It looks like it needs a few coats of paint thou, lol!   Not 100% sure on this so it may/may not be replaced.

Any idea what the new equipment cabinets over London Road bridge is for, seems a strange location to put them.

Pretty sure the signal post is the result of a bit of work on the old post with some cutting gear.

I think the cabinet on the bridge is a 400-volt feeder from the mains electricity supply into the Network Rail system, hence the roadside position

[Electric train]

I think the cabinet on the bridge is a 400-volt feeder from the mains electricity supply into the Network Rail system, hence the roadside position

If there are switches and crossings (points) in the vicinity these require heaters for the winter to prevent freezing, the supplies are derived from the local DNO^▸ (Distribution Network Operator) (Distribution Network Operator) system close to the points

[willc]

Lots of work going on today.

At Evesham, the semaphore signal arms have been removed, though the posts are still in place. The new junction point is still laid out near the signalbox waiting to be moved up the line.

Rail welding was under way at Littleton & Badsey, where both lines are now complete heading east towards Clayfield and west towards the eastern of the two River Avon bridges at Evesham after slewing and connection of the assorted bits of new track here. I don't know if track is being placed on the eastern bridge yet, but so far no sign yet of work on the western bridge near the signalbox.

Honeybourne was a hive of activity. Asphalt was being laid on the base of the footbridge ramp on the new platform, which was just waiting for its top surface and fencing. A team of masons was building the other ramp base alongside the station car park and a ballast train was waiting to be sent west. Tracklaying and ballasting on the new Long Marston branch connection is complete.

After the ballast train had moved off, I set off to take a look at the new crossover, which is in position west of the station. By the time i reached the bridleway crossing, the train had been shunted from the down line to the up using the crossover, which was being operated manually and clipped between train moves. After a short pause, the train went 'wrong line' towards Clayfield but I don't know where it was headed. The shunting signal is now in place next to the bridleway crossing for trains moving from the down line (the one towardsWorcester) on to the branch line or into the sidings.

At Chipping Campden double track is in place through the level crossing and the bearers and surface sections for the road are awating installation. At Blockley work to lay the level crossing road surface was taking place.

Pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/willc2009/

[IndustryInsider]

All going well with phase 2a of the Cotswold Line work (as I've just Christened it) completed on time.  Mind you, not much has changed, but the new turnback signal and crossover at Moreton-In-Marsh will be getting plenty of use this week until the big day next Monday.

[willc]

All seemed to work well today, thought there was much confusion ahead of the deaprture of the 08.20 from Moreton-in-Marsh with people bamboozled by the idea that when the departures summary screen said the train was departing from platform 1 - and had the number flashing just to ram the point home - people kept coming back into the booking hall and asking if it was the London train.

The crossover is being traversed at walking pace for the time being but the 20mph restriction which applied on the down line where the old goods shed siding point was removed has now been lifted, with the track passed for 60mp. The down refuge siding is still out of bounds to trains, with the fishplates missing at a rail joint just beyond the point.

[ChrisB]

Derailment within the works overnight, Pershore side of the road bridge at Evesham.

[CLPGMS]

Network Rail reports that no damage occurred.  Now back on track!

[willc]

Few photos from Sunday and this evening now online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/willc2009/

Seems to have been a bit of problem with fitting the latest footbridge ramp sections which arrived at Honeybourne today but looks as though adjustments are in hand.

The derailment involved the transporter units carrying the track panels for the new single to double track point into place west of Evesham. One panel was placed in position overnight but the other partly slipped off the transporter due to the derailment. It survived unscathed and was successfully positioned later in the day.

[bleeder4]

On a vaguely related note, the Polish road signs advising of the Blackminster diversion that I've been driving past each morning have had to be removed as they weren't legal - details at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-14540670

[willc]

A word beginning with j springs to mind.

An empty ballast train returning to Hinksey sidings at Oxford was slotted in among the passenger services back from Moreton-in-Marsh this evening. I was on the 17.22 from Paddington which passed a long train of box wagons just south of the site of Adlestrop station about 18.50. Not sure whether it was sprightly enough to get a clear run through to Wolvercot junction or would have had to wait for the 18.22 at Charlbury.

[ellendune]

Not sure why or how the Highways Agency could complain they have no Jurisdiction over county roads they only deal with Motorways and Trunk Roads.

[willc]

Because the A46 is a trunk road.

[willc]

All looking good for a smooth resumption of services tomorrow. Still seemed to be one or two signals to get working in the Vale of Evesham yesterday but all the track work visible from lineside vantage points was ready and Honeybourne's new platform is ready. Handrails were being fitted to the footbridge, which is now all fitted together, with exception of the steps section on the car park side, which has not been attached yet.
Some pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/willc2009/

[Weston-Sub-Edge]

Is there a picture of the signal controlling access to the Long Marston Branch from the Evesham direction?

[insider]

My sources inform me that even though the line will be handed back from 0400 (Monday 22/08) as booked there will be various "issues" with the signalling equipment.

Trains will be running under altered workings with regards to signalling (possibly pilot working) and delays of around 20-30 mins are likely to be encountered as a result.

An amended trainplan is likely to be in operation all day Monday with the possibility of the late night services being cancelled to allow engineeris to continue the testing that is required to commission the new signalling.