Viaduct work steps up a gear

On a very hot afternoon I visited the west side of the main line by the scrapyard.  Last Sunday my car thermometer said 7 degrees outside  and I was wearing my winter coat.  Today it said 27 degrees and I was wearing just a polo shirt.  Fortunately I was not tempted to wear shorts as the nettles have grown up at an alarming rate!

 The shuttering has been removed from the first pier and it can now be seen it what must be its finished state awaiting the deck,

 Immediately behind it is another one being prepared.   The steel reinforcing is being built up ready for the shuttering. Behind that the formwork both sides of the main line for the piers to support the viaduct as it crosses the line.

A better view of the same formwork on the east side of the main line that has appeared since last week.  Three piers under construction can be seen to the left.  Well two can be seen, the third is behind the tree that has come into leaf in the last seven days.  You can see all three in last sunday's picture.

The last pier on the higher ground has had its base poured ready for the steelwork.  In the distance right of centre is the piledriver working on pier number one.  Another is working on one of the intermediate piers.  You can see how the viaduct will move quite quickly away from the main line before curving back to pass over it.

 A large section of the steelwork for the viaduct has been delivered in the last week.  Looking at it I think it might be the section that crosses the main line,  It has RSJs at both ends with a deeper section in the middle.  Although you can't see it, it is curved and the curve goes the wrong way so it will have to be turned before being installed.   I will keep an eye on line closures in the next few weeks so I can try and be there when it is lifted into place.  I am guessing this will be done over a weekend.

 End on shot.  I think it was delivered in two halves and is being bolted together on site.

 A shot from a different angle looking north.  This is the opposite end to my first picture.

 I took a quick look over on the east side of the main line.  Not much to report other than the spoil heap that had appeared last week in the former settlement beds was much reduced in height.  However the removal of topsoil from Wilbury Hill has continued as this picture shows.  Earthmoving equipment is parked up at the top right next to a large bank of topsoil.

I zoomed in so you can see the extent of the work.  In the foreground is route of the new line, soon to be built up with chalk from the hill.  The line of pegs crossing the centre of the picture is the haul road from the hill to the site.