That's interesting - I had been assuming that LDECR's Bridgeoscope was a complete list of necessary bridge reconstructions and raisings (as distinct from track lowerings).
Also, until the last couple of days, I'd been assuming that all track lowering needed in the Chorley area was done in last year's blockade.
My source has kindly sent the following:
Snowball makes a valid point, so here's the detail:
MVE2/59 Chapel Street Subway (22 miles 300y-ish) - re-decked as a result of track slews
MVE2/60 Chorley Station Subway (22 miles 320y-ish)- re-decked as a result of track slews and speed increases (which are unrelated to each other).
Thank you Mr/Ms X.
I've now added the full set of photos and films from the weekend.
ALX400 sent some more of track lowering at Chorley, I've added them to his album here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157651121057352
Joe Callaghan sent some more of track slewing at Farnworth, I've added them to his album here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157651953947345
I've added them, plus my own, to the Combined Volume here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157648767927083
Thank you ALX400 and Joe.
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Could anyone tell me whether it will be possible to view the tunnel boring machine from a public location on the day as it sets off on its journey? And if so, how do you access that place, where can you park nearby and when is it likely to be?
Thanks everyone
I've explored all around the site and talked to locals. I've concluded that the only legal and safe place is on the footbridge between Kearsley Station and the southern tunnel mouths. Joseph_Locke has rightly referred to this as the Viewing Platform.
In the Spring it was a fine place to view the tunnel and works, but now trees are in full leaf the line of sight is rather restricted, but not blocked altogether.
The bridge has been built to modern spec, so something to stand on is a good idea, given where the TBM will set off from.
The best place to park is Kearsley station car park, which is at the end of Station Road, a cul-de-sac off Stoneclough Road.
A poorly maintained public track runs from the car park alongside the line to the footbridge, the track is wet in all weathers, making WELLIES IMPERATIVE.
Alternatively you could park on Church Road and walk to the footbridge from the other direction. The downside is that the path to the bridge is compressed earth and steep, presenting a slip-on-your-backside-and-skate-ten-feet risk, as I learned the hard way.
The footbridge is some distance from the tunnel, so binocs are essential for viewing and a half-decent zoom for photography and filming. There are a good few shots in the Combined Volume for you to get the idea.
As for when, I've read somewhere that it'll take them 3 weeks to assemble the TBM on site. I hope someone will report and.or photograph that happening and give us a clue. Maybe one of our professionals will be able to tell us exactly, but right now, I haven't seen owt clear.
Happy hunting
Dave
PS Bridgeoscope below
, it's amazing what the Orange Army can do in the time they have got, really good to see it all coming along.