Early June roundup

We are now only just over two weeks to commissioning, scheduled for June 24th.  I don't expect to see too much in the early days as First Capital Connect will probably only use it to return empty stock to the carriage sidings in Letchworth.  This will gradually familiarize their drivers with the route.   The main changes since my last post are the permanent connection of the overhead line equipment to the existing system and the installation of signalling.  Drainage work has advanced a bit but there is no change to the main works by the River Hiz.

This shot shows the temporary connection at Hitchin North Junction

 Now connected permanently to the East Coast Main Line system.  There is absolutely no doubt that the OLE on the chord is live with 25kv continuously.

Turning to the left you can see the new sign proclaiming the 50mph  speed limit on the viaduct and embankment.

New signal on the viaduct now operational.

Awkward angle but you can just make out the new signal showing red.

 Here is the other new signal protecting Hitchin East Junction in the centre of the picture.  I was too far away to see if it was illuminated but I am guessing it is showing red too.

Looking south towards the scrapyard.  I haven't been able to access this area for some time due to waterlogging.  It was still quite bad today.  The higher sections of guard railing that can be seen every 20 metres or so are for protection in the unlikely event event of a train having to be evacuated on the viaduct.  There is a small ladder behind each one to allow passengers to climb over the concrete lip. The higher rail would stop anyone going too far!

 New drainage channel coming down off the higher ground inside the new security fencing.

 A drain pipe feeds into the new channel.

 The channel continues on towards the new ditch that is under construction.

 I decided to take a picture from the Icknield Way footbridge now that the work is virtually finished.  I took this from the northern edge of the site now that the "mountain" has gone.  I was standing on the original level which was already much higher from a previous "landfill" operation.  I reckon the new level is around 10ft higher.

 And here is the shot from the bridge.  An East Coast service is passing under the viaduct.

 And just for interest, a shot north from the bridge.  The line is dead straight as far as the eye can see.

Finally this link shows why grade separation is a good idea and not just for preventing delays.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57586201/massive-missouri-train-collision-takes-down-highway-overpass/