Canal bridge is major step in heritage railway project
A MAJOR step in the reunification of the two heritage era Great Central Railways has been achieved with the completion of an 18-month programme to restore a bridge over the Grand Union Canal at Loughborough.
The elegant cast-iron bridge, which was built in the late 1890s to carry the GCR’s London Extension over the canal, last carried a train in 1972.
Work was expected to be completed early in the year, but was delayed first by winter storms and then the Covid-19 lockdown. However, the project was finished over two days in July following the resumption of work, although some minor work remains to be carried out on the Loughborough landmark and a final inspection to ensure it is fit to carry trains again.
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.
The bridge is the second of seven phases of work on a chain of planned infrastructure to reconnect the Great Central Railway with its northern neighbour the Great Central Railway (Nottingham), thereby creating an 18-mile steam highway between the outskirts of that city and Leicester. The link was removed by BR after 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. It’s an amazing what we have all achieved together and shows how people power is getting the two railways reconnected.
“We’re 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 and the total is climbing all the time. We’re delighted to have 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 hope that everything that has happened so far will inspire people to find out more, get involved and donate.”