World's biggest signalbox gets £250K facelift
THE world's largest operational mechanical signalbox, Grade II listed Severn Bridge Junction in Shrewsbury, has undergone a £250,000 refurbishment – its most thorough in more than a decade.
Built by the GWR and LNWR in 1902 to an enlarged standard LNWR design of 1876, the threestorey structure has its original 180 levers inside with 89 still in use today, and is responsible for signalling around 280 trains daily.
The project, carried out by Network Rail and MPH Construction and partly funded by the Railway Heritage Trust, has allowed the entire building to be weather-proofed.
Trust executive director Andy Savage said: “We were delighted to give a grant towards the restoration of this iconic signalbox, which clearly will have a long-term future.”
Network Rail asset engineer Darren McKenna said: “It's not until you get up close that you can appreciate how well-built and unique it is. Working on this refurbishment was an absolute pleasure.
“The gantry repair was a big job and involved rope access teams working day and night to strengthen and replace the boards.
"We gave very careful consideration to a sympathetic repair that has managed to maintain the building's Edwardian character while securing its future for many years to come."
In 2011, it became the largest mechanical signalbox in the world following the closure of the 191-lever box at Spencer Street in Melbourne, Australia.