Work has been continuing on two of the GWR's rail-over bridges over recent weeks, at Gretton and at Laverton.  Both involving road closures and diversions.  The directors of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway apologise to local residents and businesses for the inconveniences caused during the closures. However, Gretton bridge has now been reopened, three weeks early, while work at Laverton is expected to be completed in December.

Work at Laverton involves replacement of a bridge that was removed (with the railway's permission) some years ago to allow heavy plant and equipment to gain access to the construction site of a gas pipeline and pumping station.  The cost of this work is being met by the National Grid, whose predecessor Transco removed the original steel span.  A new concrete deck has been cast and will be put in position soon.  Being thicker than the original steel deck, the track level will be a little higher than originally, requiring a ballast ramp on either side of the structure to lift the track to the required level.  Completion of the work will allow the Permanent Way department to install the run-round loop here to allow trains to use the first two miles of the Broadway extension.

Meanwhile, at Gretton repair work has been taking place following collision by an over-height lorry attempting to pass beneath it.  Although stability and safety of the bridge was not compromised it was necessary to repair the damage before long-term corrosion set in which would eventually weaken the bridge.  The cost of the repair is being met by the insurer of the lorry that caused the damage.  The opportunity has also been taken to carry out routine corrosion removal and cleaning of the underside of the deck.

You can read the full story and see some interesting pictures of both bridges by clicking on the link below.  This is an Adobe Acrobat file and if you need to, you can download the necessary software to open it by clicking the Adobe link.  The software is free. You can also find out more about the 88 structures that go over or under the Honeybourne Line between Cheltenham and Broadway, by following the link.