GC Grand Union canal bridge ready to carry trains
AMAJORstepin the reunification of the twoheritageeraGreatCentralRailways ( GCR) wasachievedin early July.
The 18- monthprogramme to refurbish the bridge which was built in the late 1890s to carry the GCR’s London Extension over the Grand Union Canal at Loughborough has been completed.
The elegant cast- iron bridge, which last carried a train in 1972, has been overhauled and fully restored.
Work on the structurewas expected to be completed earlier in the year, but was delayed first by winter storms and then the Covid- 19 lockdown. However, the projectwas finished over twodays following the resumption of work in the first week of July. Some minor work remains to be carried out on the Loughborough landmark, together with a final inspection to ensure it is fit to carry trains again. The contractors developed an innovative approach to the repairs. This meant work could be carried out with only one closure of the canal, which took place last November and December to avoid disruption to pleasure boats.
Phase
Thebridge is the second of seven phases ofwork onachain of planned infrastructure toreconnect the Great Central Railway with its northern neighbour the GreatCentral Railway ( Nottingham), therebycreating an 18 mile steamhighwaybetween the outskirtsof that cityand Leicester. The linkwas removedbyBRafter the line closed in 1969.
Already a new bridge has been built over the Midland Main Line at Loughborough.
Andy Fillingham, chairman of the Friends of the Great Central Main
Line ( FoGCML), said:“Once again we have to say a very big thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal to reunify the railways, particularly the crossing the canal campaign. What we have all achieved together is amazing and shows how people power is getting the two railways reconnected.
“We are now raising money for the next stage of the Great Central Railway Reunification project. Installing two more bridges that are needed is expected to cost £ 3 million.
“Despite the lockdown and uncertain times, supporters from across the East Midlands and further afield have been very generous and we have now raised £ 170,000. The total is climbing all the time. We are delighted tohave some good news to share about the canal bridge in these difficult days.
“We can’t continue to build until we have raised the majority of the money, but we hope that everything that has happened so far will inspire people to find outmore, get involved and donate.”
Replacement
Meanwhile, the railway hasbegun work onacompletereplacementof the life- expired Bridge 341 north ofQuorn& Woodhouse station, aproject which it is believedwill costasix- figuresum.
A10mph speed limit has been imposed on the bridge for several months.
GCR staff have already been removing coping stones ahead of the project – for which a contract has been awarded and final negotiations were taking place aswe closed for press.
➜ If youwould like to help the Reunification project, visit www. gcrailway. co. uk/ unify