Latest pictures 16th September

Quite a bit of progress this week.  First section of the viaduct has been lifted into place by the scrapyard entrance, out of sequence with the others.  One further section has gone in  and the embankment work is nearing completion.

First shot looks from Cadwell Lane to the scrapyard entrance through the main line bridge showing the first section in place.  It is further away from the existing bridge than the former Bedford line bridge was prior to demolition.

Looking back the other way.  Trains will run quite close to the offices of the scapyard.

Looking north.

 And for completion, looking south.  A new construction can be seen in the centre of the picture.  Not sure what its purpose is but it is certainly in the centre of the connecting embankment.

Looking up into the viaduct section.  Looks like an inspection hatch in the end.  Wooden decking will follow I am sure as with the other sections.

Looking towards the new section from the gas pipe that crosses the River Hiz.  The embankment has been extended here and soil capping put in place. The top of the bridge can be seen centre right.

The new section looking south.  Compared to the other sections, this seems quite low so there will be quite a gradient here.

 Looking south from the higher ground you can just make out the new section almost dead centre of the picture.

Here is the other new section added in the last week.

New section looking south.

And from a bit further away.  Still curving round at this point.

 Work to install the concrete edging follows as each section is added.  There is a repeating pattern of small jutting out areas as seen above.  I wonder if these might be refuges for future permanent way maintenance workers.

 At the end of Wilbury Way the embankment has almost reached the viaduct end.  As you drive down the road it is quite visible now from a distance.  It has moved through the perimeter fence of the former sewage works.  Sadly it looks like the path that ran from here to the Icknield Way which was very popular locally will be no more.  It was unofficial but was there for many years.  Until the embankment arrived, I had noticed people still cutting through because the fence wasn't that secure.

 Looking from further away at the same area.

 Turning to the right the embankment skirts the office block at the very end of Wilbury Way.

 Taken from Hillgate, the embankment passes same clump of bushes seen on the left as in the previous picture.

 Turning to the right, the soil capping is being laid.  Quite soon it will look like it has always been here.