GCR Bridge Project

[Flying Phil]

Great news to see that the ground investigation work has started. Very ironic given that the Midland Main Line electrification has again been "paused" /stopped at "nearly" Leicester!

 

[DJ_K666]

Looks like work to establish the nature of the ground so they know what needs to be done. Soon (relatively speaking) we'll see embankments and viaducts starting to take shape.

 

[Flying Phil]

There has been another video update about the Ground Investigation work and they seem to be pleased about the findings so far - no unexpected nasty stuff!

 

[Flying Phil]

The ground investigation work has been physically completed but there are Blue capped tubes left in the ground, at various places, for long term monitoring of ground water and any possible gasses.


Now there is the analysis of the data gathered, so that the design of the foundations can be finalised, before construction starts. Still lots more money to be raised though.

 

[Yew]

Out of curiosity, do we know how much the remaining works are projected to cost? I seem to remember that they have war chest of ~2 million at the moment?

 

[james_the_xv]

Out of curiosity, do we know how much the remaining works are projected to cost? I seem to remember that they have war chest of ~2 million at the moment?

Don't think a full figure has actually been quoted. As of a couple months ago current war chest is £2.5m but £250k has gone on the ground investigation. I'd imagine it's a case of they don't know until they can finalise a design for the viaduct (which will depend on the ground investigation).

 

[JKF]

The ground investigation work has been physically completed but there are Blue capped tubes left in the ground, at various places, for long term monitoring of ground water and any possible gasses.
View attachment 186966

Now there is the analysis of the data gathered, so that the design of the foundations can be finalised, before construction starts. Still lots more money to be raised though.

Who is doing the environmental assessment/reporting out of interest? I used to do that for a living, taking gas and ground water for analysis & screening results. I wouldn’t expect you to have problems as the end use of the land will be very low sensitivity, but there could be a risk of chemical attack on the concrete or the creation of pathways for groundwater contamination when constructing foundations.

 

[Flying Phil]

Hi JFK
I think the Planning documents that went to the Council would have said who did the original environmental assessment. There certainly was a lot of documentation!

 

[SW Rover]

Hi JFK
I think the Planning documents that went to the Council would have said who did the original environmental assessment. There certainly was a lot of documentation!

Hopefully the planning application link below to Charnwood Borough Council works. 294 documents!

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planningexplorer.charnwood.gov.uk

 

[Yew]

There is a video update about Reunification, that is consistent with the content of this update:

We’re ready to get building again with your help. In 2026 we want to get more of the Reunification project in place.


The ambitious scheme will rebuild 500 metres of missing railway, which will relink two halves of the heritage line, creating an eighteen mile rail corridor through Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.


Next Summer a further 60 metres of new formation will be built, including crossing a factory car park on a viaduct and a bridge over a minor road (Railway Terrace) in Loughborough. This will add to the three phases of the project which are already complete.

“Now we have planning consent to build all the remaining infrastructure needed to complete Reunification, we want to move forward with physical work. It shows everyone we mean business while ticking off more of the job and locking the funds we’ve raised into concrete. There is a little more work to do before we can begin, like the final design of the new structures but we are confident of starting to build the next sections in 2026, providing we can raise another £900,000.”

Malcolm Holmes, General Manager, Great Central Railway


The estimated cost of the next two sections is £3.5m. Fundraisers and supporters at home and around the world have already secured £2.6m for this work leaving £900,000 to find. Already more than £5m has been invested into delivering the scheme including all the building work so far, securing the planning consent and ground investigation work.

“We are moving forward all the time with our plans to reunify but we know everyone wants to see more railway appearing – and so do we! Building in 2026 is a really exciting prospect as we chase the remaining funds we need. Thank you to everyone who makes a donation because every pound will really count towards getting contractors on site”.
Andy Fillingham, Great Central Railway (Nottingham)

Supporters can donate on line and even set up regular standing orders at www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify


Or you can download our appeal leaflet here and use it to donate through the post using a cheque, made payable to DCRT with ‘Reunification’ written on the rear. Send it to Lovatt House, 3 Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1SL.


Here we grow again, or at least we can and will, with your help. Thank you.

 

[50002Superb]

Amazing news