February 2nd Update

Again not a huge amount to report.  Last weekend there was very little change due to the snow which must have restricted work considerably.   It looked as if cable ducting work was under way but I need to confirm this.  This week with the weather back to normal, more rail has been moved into place in readiness for the track laying machines's visit.  The drainage work next to the scrapyard is virtually finished.

Here the drainage work seen last time is covered over.  Some tidying up still to do.

The large drain pipe now capped with drain cover in place.  This is next to the recently constructed outfall by the River Hiz bridge.

 

 Some minor landscaping works using that most basic of construction equipment. the wheelbarrow.

A look above the Hiz bridge.  Ballast is quite thick at this point.

Looking north from the far side of the scrapyard, it appears that the guard rail work is substantially complete.  Just an odd bit missing here and there.  Brick rubble and other hard core has been piled up here since my last visit.  It appears to have been removed from the triangle of higher ground.  This is probably the start of landscaping the area and returning it to its original state.

Here is a small addition since my last visit.  It looks like a down pipe attached to one of the piers.  The area was so waterlogged today so I couldn't get any nearer.  There was another one further on so could be part of the drainage system.

This was taken last week in poor light from Hillgate.  It appears to be cable ducting being installed.

Looking slightly to the left from the same spot.

Looking to the right towards the junction with the Cambridge line.  The beetle bank seems to trap water at this spot.

Taken from the same spot this week, continuous lengths of rail can be seen all the way round to Hitchin East Junction.  I disturbed a flock of birds checking out the beetle bank which are in the process of taking off. 

A large stack of cable ducting waiting to be installed.

Looking right over to the junction, I could just make out a newly installed signal cabinet with a line of ducting stretching away from it. It is the grey object just left of centre.  It looks as if everything is set for the visit of the track laying train next Sunday.  I will try and get down and takes some pictures of it in action.