Rail works pick up speed.

Gravel trucks parked up first thing on the line through Sydney Gardens. Click on images to enlarge

While Network Rail’s track lowering operation in Box Tunnel gathers momentum, there’s

These were moved up the line later.

evidence elsewhere – and nearer to home – of just what we can expect when contractors continue the track lowering and relaying schemes elsewhere on the rail link to London where it passes through Bath.

Box Tunnel is closed for the whole month – as part of the massive electrification of the London to Bristol (and beyond) rail line – so rail users have to be taken by bus and coach to Chippenham to connect with First Great Western trains.

In the meantime the track from Bath to Box is empty of passenger trains and workmen are able to carry out their tasks along

New ballast being laid near the semi-derelict terrace of Cleveland Row.

this ‘closed’ route.

Rail travellers being coached to Chippenham today.

I came across a whole line of gravel carrying trucks parked up in Sydney Gardens first thing this morning while elsewhere new ballast was being laid on the line alongside the pedestrian link to Hampton Row from the Canal towpath.

The bridge here – a vital route through to the Cleveland Pools – will also have to be replaced.

The bridge over the route from London Road through to the canal towpath being cleared for inspection.

The rail bridge on the cycle/pedestrian route from Grosvenor Bridge and London Road up to the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal was also being cleared of vegetation.

Contractors told me this had to be done so rail engineers could thoroughly inspect the bridge to see if any strengthening work had to be done.