Back On Track Update: Crownthorpe Bridge & Wicklewood maintenance

Work to bring Crownthorpe Bridge back in to use and allow the Mid-Norfolk Railway to recommence train operations from Dereham through the communities of Kimberley and Wymondham continues at pace. At the moment, the Mid-Norfolk Railway is operating trains between Dereham and Thuxton with occasional trains stopping at Hardingham too.

With the bridge waybeams removed a couple of weeks ago, structural inspections focusing on corrosion and protection have taken place earlier in the week and decisions on what – if any – further remedial work will be required aside from the waybeam renewals. Whilst these visits took place, volunteers were also present undertaking a number of activities from vegetation clearance to preparing the bridge for the waybeam installation which is expected to take place shortly.

Also last week, attention was focussed elsewhere in the temporarily closed section at Wicklewood - Rails already identified that required replacing due to the bridge above causing water run off over many years onto the rails below are an example of preventative maintenance to avoid complications in the future.

We continue to welcome donations for the continuing maintenance and expansion of the railway - more information at mnr.org.uk/donations