New ‘Deviation’ line and bridge under construction at Leighton Buzzard Railway

FORTY years after the Ffestiniog Railway's famous `Deviation' line was constructed to Blaenau, work is well underway on another narrow gauge `Deviation' at the Leighton Buzzard Railway.

As reported, a road improvement scheme means that the last section of the 2ft gauge railway to its Stonehenge Works terminus has had to be diverted over an entirely new formation. A 45-metre bridge is now under construction, using 46 pre-cast concrete arch sections, to take the railway under the new road.

Vandyke Road, which runs parallel to the LBR at this point, is being remodelled as part of the Leighton Buzzard Eastern Link Road scheme, which is itself part of a wider development to provide more homes, retail, community and school facilities in the eastern area of the town.

Developer Arnold White Group is funding the new section of railway. The main contractor carrying out the work is Fox (Owmby) Limited, supported by railway contractor Alan Keef Ltd. The project is due to be completed in November.