Ffestiniog Railway by-pass bridge - hot news...

Hot news!!!

The new bridge which will take the Ffestiniog Railway over the Porthmadog by-pass was moved into position yesterday. Pictures here :

http://tinyurl.com/69cwr3f

and here :

http://tinyurl.com/69jzrh8

 

I believe that two Welsh narrow gauge bridges have being lifted into position on the same day!

The former Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway bridge over the Montgomery Canal on the long closed town-section has been missing for a number on months whilst being restored and has just returned. Welshpool Town Council arranged for the structure to be listed an few years ago.

The former Welshpool Smithfield Cattle Market area is being redeveloped as a Tesco supermarket and the course of the old railway is to remain as a footpath.

Gareth

 

Wasn't there talk some time ago that the Town Council wanted the town section replaced? A veritable rival to Porthmadog for town running...

 

Do I read aright that the steel for the new Ffestiniog bridge came out of the 'Kursk'?

 

Nope. The steel supports it sat on to be slid into place were originally part of the lifting cradle used in the Kursk salvage operation.

 

It seems very wide (nearly double track) is that to provide stability given the gap it has to span ?

 

It is double track width according to the FR to give a longer loop to allow longer train lengths to pass.

CB

 

That makes more sense. Many thanks.

 

In fact it is wide enough for two WHR trains to pass, even though the gauge from Blodge to Minffordd platform is definitely FR loading gauge.

The concrete was being sealed last Tuesday and is due to be handed back to the FR next week.

Regards

Peter