Items added on the 22nd January 2016 Those most recently added come first

Portishead line delay.

Two critical issues have emerged which are likely to have a significant impact on both the cost and programme of the MetroWest Phase 1 project:

• Operation and Deliverability of upgraded Level Crossing in Ashton Vale (Ashton Vale Road). Following a number of technical issues which have arisen in relation to the operation of the level crossing and opposition from businesses in the Ashton Vale industrial estate, alternative access arrangements need to be provided and these are under active consideration. Consultation on potential options including provision of a new link via the Ashton Vale park & ride junction and/or changes to the junction on Winterstoke Road will take place in February/ March 2016.
• Construction access and construction issues associated with the line to Portishead including Pill Station and its immediate environs, Pill Tunnel and the existing freight line between Pill station and Bower Ashton through the Avon Gorge. Full details will be available by April 2016, when the outline engineering design due to be completed. It is, however, likely to report a number of constructability, cost and programme challenges.

Yesterdays news                                      From Martin Duff

Hello Keith,
BR green 37057 has been in Devon this week on test train running. Apparently it developed a fault during Wednesday while in Riverside Yard, so 37421 was sent west from Derby to replace. It was due to go away late Wednesday night but for reasons not known, it didn't. So on Thursday, 37057 took the train to Plymouth and turned.

Meantime, 37421 went back light to Derby. The photograph shows it on the Up Through line at Temple Meads at 16.00 Thursday. It left like the proverbial "cut cat"! Regards,  Martin           Many thanks to you Martin

Bristol Temple Meads 21st January 2016 Copyright Martin Duff