Bridge 30 has carried the Moors Railway over the Eller Beck at Darnholme, between Grosmont and Goathland since 1864. It was in the midst of the January snow that the 145 year old wrought iron bridge was removed. Since then work has progressed well on the replacement structure with new steel beams lifted into place just a few weeks ago.
By the final weekend of March, new track and ballast will have been laid over the bridge, which spans 80ft, as well as on the approaches to the bridge. The project, estimated at £650,000, has been the biggest engineering challenge to face the heritage railway in years. Philip Benham, General Manager of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, said:
“The worst winter for 30 years was not the best time to be tackling such a major construction job but we simply had to do it, in the light of its condition, and before the start of the new season. We are relieved and delighted to see the new bridge now securely in place and close to completion. I want to pay tribute to those who have worked through often arctic conditions to achieve this.
“Apart from our own staff and volunteers, we also owe a great debt of gratitude to many, many people – not least our main partners, principle contractor, Construction Marine Limited, Volker Rail - who provided one of their high capacity cranes, A V Dawson - whose yard was used to tranship the beams from road to rail, and freight train operator DB Schenker - who moved the beams to Grosmont. The tolerance and patience of the neighbouring community around Goathland and Darnholme is also very much appreciated.”
For those who want to be first over the new bridge, a special train has been timetabled to depart from Grosmont station at 9am on 27 March. It will travel along the line as far as Goathland. A £5 supplementary fare, bookable in advance, will give access to one of the 350 seats on board the train. For a £10 supplementary charge, also bookable in advance, there is the opportunity to travel in style on board the Great Western Saloon, complete with panoramic view, refreshments, and a commentary from the Railway’s Civil Engineer, Nigel Trotter. But you’ll have to be quick as there are only 25 seats on board the saloon coach.
All who travel on the first train over the bridge will be given a souvenir certificate. Advance bookings can be made by going online at www.nymr.co.uk or over the phone, by calling 01751 472508.
Don’t despair if you fail to secure one of these seats on board the first train over the new bridge. The Railway will be running a shuttle service throughout the 27th and 28th March between Goathland station and the site of the new bridge. The Great Western Saloon carriage will be used to provide the shuttle, meaning that there will be 25 seats available on each trip, departing Goathland station at 10.05hrs, 11.05hrs, 1205hrs, 1305hrs, and finally at 14.05hrs – although there will only be 10 seats available on this last shuttle of the day, as seats have been reserved for local villagers whose goodwill has been vital in the overall success of the project.
Advance booking is needed for all seats on board the shuttles, at a cost of £10 on top of the ordinary fare. With refreshments and a commentary from either the Railway’s Civil or Bridge Engineers, it is expected that they will be popular with railway fans.
As it is the opening weekend for the Railway’s 2010 season, frequent services will be running between Pickering and Whitby, and between Pickering and Grosmont. Most services will be operated by steam engines, but a scenic heritage diesel car will also be in use over the weekend to give passengers the chance to view the bridge from the train’s panoramic windows.
Philip Benham said: “Getting hold of one of these limited £10 seats is a one-off opportunity. We’re simulating the railway director’s saloon of old, meaning that we can take our guests to the site of the bridge in great comfort. Along with a commentary from our Civil Engineer who can explain what the project involved, it should be quite an experience.”
A book about the engineering challenge of replacing Bridge 30, charting the work in the context of the line’s development, including the daily diary notes of Civil Engineer, Nigel Trotter, is to be produced and expressions of interest can be placed through the Railway.
A ceremony to formally mark the re-opening of Bridge 30 will take place later in the spring, so I will keep you posted about this too.
With the North Yorkshire Moors Railway just a 30 minute drive from Valley View Farm in Old Byland, why not stay at one of our 4 star self catering cottages and be one of the first to ride over the new bridge.
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