We are most grateful to Tim Maddocks for sending us these privileged pictures of work in progress both inside and at each end of the tunnel.
At the north portal and approaches
The north portal Whiteball Tunnel. 22nd January 2014 Copyright Tim Maddocks
Work in progress on the tunnel approach, note also clearance and drainage works above the portal. 22nd January 2014 Copyright Tim Maddocks
Whiteball tunnel - north portal 22nd January 2014 Copyright Tim Maddocks
Drainage at north portal_22nd January 2014 Copyright Tim Maddocks
Inside Whiteball Tunnel 1000 metre long, built 1844
The entire tunnel has been lined with a wire mesh - detail is shown. 22nd January 2014 Copyright Tim Maddocks
Partially completed the new mesh is sprayed with concrete south portal Copyright Tim Maddocks
The track is protected during the spraying operation by means of a protective membrane. 22nd January 2014 Copyright Tim Maddocks
The Spraycrete machine_Area 6_south portal. 22nd January 2014 Copyright Tim Maddocks
The south portal Whiteball tunnel
Whiteball tunnel - the south portal - in Devon. In the picture, copyright Tim Maddocks the extent of the wire mesh can clearly be seen. 22nd January 2014
Cess stream near south portal to be converted to pipe Copyright Tim Maddocks. 22nd January 2014
Drainage near south portal. Copyright Tim Maddocks 22nd January 2014
Drainage works near south portal. Note fencing. Copyright Tim Maddocks
As can be seen massive work is being undertaken at Whiteball tunnel not only to improve and strengthen the tunnel but also to improve the drainage in this very wet area. Another problem has been the proximity to a local pond known to be the home of Great Crested Newts, a protected species. Network Rail has installed environmental fencing along the boundary of the worksite. This fencing can be clearly seen in the picture above.
Another view of drainage work in progress, one can also clearly see the 'Newt Fence'. Copyright Tim Maddocks 22nd January 2014
The Great Crested Newt - Courtesy Wilkipedia