Disconnected short section of track (Snodland, Kent)

[SussexMan]

Wonder if anyone can shed any light on this small section of track which is about 130m long. It's just above Snodland on the A228 in Kent, here.

The bits that intrigue me are:

• The roundabout looks very new but includes two bridges just to cross the short bit of track.
  
• The OS 7th series has no track showing in that position.
  
• The New Popular Edition does have some track close to there but in a slightly different alignment to the south. You can see the alignment difference best here using the side-by-side mapping.
  
• Why go to the very large expense of creating a roundabout (which is presumably to allow lorries to access the works on the east of the road) with two bridges for a disconnected section of track?
• The track doesn't look as though it ever went further to the east (left) as there is no cutting where it would have gone.

I know along the line from Maidstone to Strood there were in the past many connections to works because of the many cement and other works but this one doesn't appear to be historic from looking at the maps.

 

[HarleyDavidson]

Possible connection to Holborough Quarry which is long since closed and backfilled.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Looking at past images both the roundabout and track are new, within the last 10 years. Looking at the roundabout on Streetview, I fail to see the point of the roundabout being created there in the first place

 

[SussexMan]

Possible connection to Holborough Quarry which is long since closed and backfilled.

There was a connection to the quarry but that was on a different alignment (see link in my original post).

I now see that the roundabout was inserted because a bridge has been built across the river at this point (view from the other side).

 

[HarleyDavidson]

I think it might have been a waste transfer line or even a shunt neck, but without any further information or maps from years ago, a bit stuffed for ideas.

 

[Cowley]

I remember this coming up on a thread about a year ago. Quite intriguing really.

 

[reddragon]

Its for a new cement works, as yet not built but approved in 2003

https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/Data/Planning%20Applications%20Committee/20030318/Agenda/$Item%20C4%20-%20Medway%20Cement%20Works%20Snodland.doc.pdf

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Its for a new cement works, as yet not built but approved in 2003

https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/Data/Planning%20Applications%20Committee/20030318/Agenda/$Item%20C4%20-%20Medway%20Cement%20Works%20Snodland.doc.pdf

I believe that planning permissions expire 3 years after being granted so the cement works would probably need to go through the planning process again

 

[EM2]

And what is the bus stop for, as the approaches to it seem to be blocked with bollards? It's not far from me, I might go and have a look in a few days.

 

[SussexMan]

Its for a new cement works, as yet not built but approved in 2003

https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/Data/Planning%20Applications%20Committee/20030318/Agenda/$Item%20C4%20-%20Medway%20Cement%20Works%20Snodland.doc.pdf

Thanks! Explains it, although I wonder why a small section of track was laid?

Here's the roundabout prior to the track being laid. I wonder whether anything will ever come of it?

 

[Cowley]

thread reopened for @telstarbox to update.

 

[civ-eng-jim]

Looking at past images both the roundabout and track are new, within the last 10 years. Looking at the roundabout on Streetview, I fail to see the point of the roundabout being created there in the first place

Housing development on the other side of the Medway.

The satellite image in the original post is a little old - Peter's bridge is now complete.

EDIT: Just spotted it's a very old thread!

 

[telstarbox]

The bridge leading east from the roundabout serves the Peters Village development and is now visible here on Google Street View. No sign of the railway coming back to life though!

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

www.google.com