With the Crich Tramway Village opening again for another season in a little over four weeks good progress continues to be made on the major winter maintenance work – the relaying of the double track from Victoria Park/Bandstand up to the single line post on the way to Wakebridge.
Much of this section of track still retains the original rail laid when the line was extended in this area around 1966 so it was well due renewal and that is what has been happening either side of Christmas. Initially the old track and sleepers were removed before attention to the trackbed and then eventually new sleepers and rail could be laid.
To help fund the project the Crich Tramway Village have launched a “Sponsor a Sleeper” campaign where for £100 you can sponsor a sleeper. Anyone sponsoring a sleeper will receive a small section of 1st generation BS2 profile rail which has been removed during this project. To find out more about how to donate visit the Crich Tramway Village website.
Fencing is still in place around the worksite at the Bandstand end but it is still apparent that excellent progress has been made with track in place on both northbound and southbound tracks now.
Looking north from Bowes Lyon Bridge towards the new track, sleepers and ballast.
Down at ground level again and we can clearly see the new rail has been installed with fresh ballast also in place.
One final view looking north. While this section of the project seems to be more or less completed work continues closer to the single line post. (All Photographs by Keith Chadbourne, 7th February 2020)