Latest developments 30th June

Apologies that family and work commitments have resulted in a lack of update last week.  However I was determined to visit at least the viaduct work site this morning because I am convinced that the section over the east coast main line will be lifted into place this weekend.  Last time access was very difficult because nettles and thistles had grown up at an alarming rate.  This week I was pleased to discover that the main route in by the river Hiz from Cadwell Lane had been strimmed.  Unfortunately they had neglected to clear two of my main vantage points behind the scrapyard and at the foot of the higher triangle of ground between the main and former Bedford lines!   The pile drivers were gone from the site which means that this phase is almost certainly complete.  A very large crane was now located in the gas works on the east side of the main line.  I moved up onto the former Bedford embankment and took the following pictures.

 Steel reinforcing on the last pier on the higher ground is being built up. The orange steel section in front will be used to form the round concrete pillar.

 As is the one next to it.

Here you can see the large crane with a section of viaduct attached

 Moving further north, the crane with a First Hull Trains service passing.

 I then moved up on to the Icknield Way footbridge.  You can see the first section of viaduct to the right of the main line with an East Coast service heading north.  The wooden sides protect the walkways on either side.

 Heading east on the Icknield Way I took some long distance shots of the site.  First is the chalk extraction on Wilbury Hill.  Conditional permission was granted on 21st June and it appears that chalk removal has commenced.

Although it is hard to make out, it looks as if chalk is being deposited up by the existing Cambridge line embankment.  If time allows I will take a closer look.  Centre right of the picture is the farm accommodation bridge under construction waiting for the new embankment.

 To the right of the above picture, a membrane has been laid in readiness for the embankment.  The two strange looking trees top centre are actually mobile phone masts at the world renowned Harkness Roses!

 Finally a shot of the main work compound with the chalk removal diggers parked up on the haul road.  A row of dumper trucks can be seen to the right.  If I am right about the viaduct lift, there will be an update tomorrow.