Saltash Bridge level crossing More information from Tony Cooke

In the section of this website concerning the Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash mention is made of 'rumours' of  a temporary roadway being laid across the bridge in the form of a 'linear level crossing' to facilitate the passage of military vehicles across the bridge during World War 2. Tony Cooke has kindly provided the evidence that this did in fact happen under a cloak of wartime secrecy.

 Whilst browsing your site some week or so ago, I noticed a mention of the R.A.B. being decked over during the war. I believe it said that it was uncertain if this was so.

I have  now found the New Works Order dated 17.10.1945 in respect of the removal of this decking. This work was authorised by the General Manager on 20.9.1945 (as per details attached) and was completed on 4.4.1946 (as per details shown on reverse but not copyable). I hope this is some help. Tony Cooke. Very many thanks indeed to Tony for this information.

With reference to the New Works Order (item 2) above and to the photograph below it suggests that the likely route on and off the temporary RAB level crossing was up the up platform ramp and sharp right before the station building. Thence up Albert Road to Station Road. Both the canopy and the signal box would have been in the way of any exit along the up platform. Perhaps the verandah covering refers to the storage area at this end of the station.

Saltash – cab view from Royal Albert Bridge August 1973 Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Royal Albert Bridge Box on 11th February 1974 (The box and the down line in the foreground had been closed w.e.f. 2nd July 1973 hence the rusty track). Copyright K Jenkin. This rather faded image shows the incline, up behind the signalbox, of any likely road access to the temporary road crossing on the bridge from the Plymouth end.