Hi all

A friend of mine was walking down by the Deepcar Exchange Sidings toady and he noticed a large crane, and some new track being laid. Does anyone know what is going on? Last time i was down there (a few months ago) they were ripping up all the track??

Any info is appreciated!

Anyone??? :confused:

Mr Strix says 'no'

I'm afraid I dunno the answer either. Stocksbridge is to close, so why replace track ???

I think that the steel works are planning to put on more goods trains, and I have heard about renewing a loop. But I don't know much about the technical details.
I have heard recently that they have also been tidying up the route, new lights over the wicker arches etc..

I wonder what these people think of the scheme?
http://www.making-places.info/stb-green-04/ecology/exch-sidings.htm

Originally posted by Captain_Scarlet
I'm afraid I dunno the answer either. Stocksbridge is to close, so why replace track ???
Anybody know who's purchased the site then?

Originally posted by muddycoffee
I think that the steel works are planning to put on more goods trains, and I have heard about renewing a loop. But I don't know much about the technical details.
I have heard recently that they have also been tidying up the route, new lights over the wicker arches etc..

Yes, this seems to be the case. I went up with my camera and took plenty of photos (Available on request). I managed to chat to one of the chaps who were working there and he said that due to the fact that the steelworks were binging up more trains, they were re-attatching a (recently) detached a dead-end siding, and putting in a whole new siding. So there are now 3 tracks: the Main Line, and two sidings. Security along the whole line has been improved(!!) with new fences being errected, and a genral tidy up does seem to be the case, as there have been new signs put up around Oughtibridge saying "If you witness a vehicle striking this bridge...", and down on the track new signs saying "Bridge MAC3 xxx" have been put up too.

The line has been shut all weekend, but is due to re-open today, once works are complete. I wonder if they are going to renew the passing loop at Wadsley Bridge? Anyone live around there that might be able to tell us if any work has been going on recently?

I havent seen the new lights up on the Wicker Arches...i feel an adventure coming on?

A word of warning to anyone thinking of nipping up and taking photograhps: Be VERY VERY VERY CAREFUL. The trains should only be travelling at 20mph, but i wouldnt like to guess how long it would take 200+ Tonnes of steel train to stop if it hit you. As the traffic is increasing i would suggest keep off the line totaly. If you must go up and take photos then go to Wadsley Bridge, Oughtibridge, or Victoria. These three places have surviving (relivtavely safe) platforms to stand on, where you should be fairly safe from passing trains. Also get yourself an Orange High-Vis Jacket so the train driver can see you. Also not many people will question you if they see you around the line. Also be aware that Trespass on the Railway is a criminal offence and if caught you could face a fine of up to £1000 or a custodial sentence. [End of safety briefing].

Originally posted by Captain_Scarlet
[B] I'm afraid I dunno the answer either. Stocksbridge is to close, so why replace track ???
Stocksbridge is (apparently) keeping the finishing plant, and the specialised steels parts of the works. This means that they will no longer be melting or rolling the steel. The works is not going to toally shut (yeah right!).

Originally posted by Strix
Anybody know who's purchased the site then?
GVA Grimely have the contract to redvelop the site. ITs going to be houses - no surprise there then. Its going to put an even bigger strain on the roads - all the more reason to get the Railway up and running!!