Work at Gowerton

[Greenback]

I've been meaning to ask this for a while! There has been a lot of clearance of vegetation between Llanelli and Gowerton. Quite a large area to the North of the line at Gowerton station has also been cleared of trees and vegetation. I think there used to be sidings there many years ago.

Am I being over optimistic, or could this be the start of redoubling the Llanelli - Cockett section that was singled in 1986? It has been talked about for a few years! Or is it simply a routine clearance of lineside vegetation?

 

[truckman060473]

Yeah, i noticed this too. the cut tree stumps were painted over in a green protective coat. the area seemed a bit over from where the 2nd track would have been though

 

[Greenback]

I had another look today and you are right! I;m no expert, but I imagine there would need to be extra room for signals, cabling, cabinets etc?

On the way back from Swansea I sat on the South side and there has also been clearance between Cockett and Gowerton where the line used to be before it switches at Gowerton itself. I also spotted what looked like a survey team at a minor level crossing to the East of Llandeilo Jct. I couldn't see what company they were, and they might just have been from the council looking at improving the road!

 

[truckman060473]

correct me if i'm wrong but i don't think the line "switches at Gowerton". It is single track from about 1/4 mile from Llandeilo Jcn. to about 1/4 mile from Cockett tunnel

 

[Greenback]

I get the distinct impression that the right hand line was left in situ at the Cockett end, but as the SOuthern platform had the better access at Gowerton, the track slews back across as it enters the station to access the platform. The abandoned track bed is then on the right (north) from Gowerton to Llandeilo Jct. It's single track all the way, sorry for any confusion caused by my choice of wording!