With a major refurbishment of Hayle Viaduct taking place from Saturday 8th Nov until Sunday 23rd November, 2014 I ventured out to photograph the Night Riviera which runs an hour later on Mondays together with the other early trains. During the closure period the Night Riviera will terminate at Plymouth on its downward run from Paddington, however the return run on weekdays will commence from Truro with passengers for all trains west of Truro being conveyed by Rail Replacement Buses between Penzance, St Erth, Hayle, Camborne, Redruth to Truro.
First Great Western states on its publicity leaflet that the viaduct was originally built in 1829,the viaduct is the subject of a £7m improvement program to strengthen it and reduce the risk of service disruption in the near future. I think that FGW has got its facts wrong, this viaduct was built in 1852 when the new line was built westwards from Hayle to Penzance, and further rebuilt in 1886. The original Hayle Railway opened on 23rd December, 1837 in stages from a station situated at ground level under the viaduct to Redruth and Tresavean.
First Great Western states on its publicity leaflet that the viaduct was originally built in 1829,the viaduct is the subject of a £7m improvement program to strengthen it and reduce the risk of service disruption in the near future. I think that FGW has got its facts wrong, this viaduct was built in 1852 when the new line was built westwards from Hayle to Penzance, and further rebuilt in 1886. The original Hayle Railway opened on 23rd December, 1837 in stages from a station situated at ground level under the viaduct to Redruth and Tresavean.
141027a The Night Riviera crosses Hayle Viaduct hauled by 57604 Pendennis Castle, showing the large amount of scaffolding in situ for this major £7m refurbishment. Copyright Roger Winnen
141027b Approaching the viaduct from St Erth is the 08.28 Penzance-Glasgow service. In this view can be seen the large number of trees removed from the banks. Copyright Roger Winnen
141027c The 08.28 Penzance to Glasgow service crosses the viaduct into Hayle, a scene only a few weeks ago obliterated by trees. Copyright Roger Winnen
141027d The 07.02 from Plymouth to Penzance crossing the viaduct enclosed in scaffolding by Chris Sedgeman scaffolders of Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen.
141027e The former A30 heads west from Hayle, behind the viaduct stands the new ASDA store, soon to open. Copyright Roger Winnen
141027g Looking across from Hayle up platform together with the scaffolding, in the foreground, to the right, can be seen the track formation of the Hayle Wharves branch Copyright Roger Winnen