New pointwork costing over £300,000 is being installed at the eastern end of Weybourne Station on the North Norfolk Railway.
The turnouts allow trains to use the stations two platforms and also allow entry to the line’s locomotive depot. The project will be completed in time for the start of the 2023 season during the February half-term.
The sections of track being renewed were last replaced in the 1970s using second hand materials so many components are almost life-expired. North Norfolk Railway Managing Director, Hugh Harkett, explained, “We run trains on over 250 days a year carrying up to 165,000 passengers annually so it is vital that our infrastructure is maintained in excellent condition. This is an investment in the railway’s future and the new track will last for generations to come.
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He added, “Our short winter closed season is the only time we can carry out work like this and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors when the 2023 season starts with half-term trains from 11 February.”
Specialist contractor Trackwork have carried out the work, much of which has been prepared offsite to enable the removal of the old rails and sleepers and installation of the new pointwork to be completed in a little over three weeks.
The railway’s half-term services will run daily from Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 February and will feature one of the line’s powerful steam engines hauling beautifully restored carriages. Trains run through 5½ miles of wonderful scenery between the Victorian resort of Sheringham and the Georgian town of Holt. They will use the newly relaid track when they call at Weybourne’s Edwardian Station.
Full details and timetables can be found at www.nnrailway.co.uk and passengers booking online in advance receive a discount.
