Truscotts Rd Level Crossing.

Preparation work has started on the relay/rebuilding of Truscotts Rd level crossing. The work involves the removal of the existing track and digging out of the old rail formation through the crossing. This enables new drainage to be installed and cable ducting for the eventual installation of crossing alarms. 60ft of new rail and sleepers will then be re-laid on top of a new base of ballast. New timber decking will then be installed to complete the road way.

The first task was to clear the ground around the level crossing site. A large area was cleared for the storage of materials and the building of a signals relay room for the crossing alarms. 30/06/07.

The following weekend new rails were brought to site and July 14th saw work start on one of the new track sets. Just after lunch on Saturday the sleepers have been drilled and the outside rail has been jim crowed. The four pegs on the right denote the location for the new signals location box. 14/7/07.

A bit later the outside rail is being screwed down and the inside rail has been crowed. The lads in the back ground have drilled the holes for a new track joint and are now coming to grips with setting up the rail saw. 14/07/07.

On closer inspection. A scene that was once common for track gangs around the country. Cutting rail with a Briggs & Stratton powered Racine rail saw. Micheal Hobbs (sitting on rail) and Micheal Whyman doing the honours on this occasion. 14/07/07.

A sunny Sunday afternoon track inspection sees the track set complete. This is the set that will be located in the crossing. The timber decking will be cut to fit prior to the weekend of the relay. 15/07/07.

The existing condition of the level crossing. 20 plus years of service have taken their toll. The last 5 years have seen a lot of heavy truck and machinery movements over the crossing. 15/07/07.

Article by Peter Jenkinson, Photographs by Peter Jenkinson.