Robertsbridge news. The RVR extends!

The news from the RVR just keeps getting better. The section of line from Robertsbridge to Northbridge street is moving closer to reality with the recent arrival on site, and installation, of the ex-Staplehurst bridge sections. Bridges 2-5 are now in place, and Bridge 1 shouldn't be far behind!

A pictorial update of the recent works is available at https://plus.google.com/photos/1056...660130473876538813/albums/5704283234607462225

 

A tribute to RVR determination. Surely, the time will come when a Terrier waits patiently in the bay platform at Robertsbridge to take a mixed train on to Tenterden, and I hope at 61 to live long enough to be on it!

 

I hope at 67 to live long enough to drive it!

 

I hope at 59 to visit it (I know well the KESR) and find a pretty british woman with a love of railways!:cheer2:
cheers!
Noel

 

How long is this section??
regards
noel

 

It isn't to far, just round the corner from the main line as far as Northbridge Street Road where the station was, a map is on the top of this page... Updates

Amazing progress, I have been round on the way back from the K&ESR a few times to see whats going on, was last there in March and had a good look at the site before they started.

 

The station wasn't on Northbridge Street, but at the SR/BR station itself. The siding off to Hodson's Mill was very close to Northbridge Street. Indeed, the road access to the old mill site is almost next to where the line will be. On the overhead link you showed, the KESR station would be further down on the left, at the no.1 bridge end of the line, not the no.5....

 

That would be a very big job even for one of the more established railways. They certainly seem to have the determination to get the job done. How on earth have they raised the money as that lot looks pretty expensive ?

 

I guess it can be explained (at least in part) by Mike Hart's involvement, a well known name to anyone familiar with the rebuilding of the WHR. It explains some of the names involved in the work which takes me back a few years, though i've not seen any slate waste being used yet...

Chris

 

I have to admit it brings a huge lump to my throat... the last time I travelled over this section it was an illicit ride on the footplate of 'Pride of Sussex' on a trip working to the Junction. I must add that I was very young at the time but I hope to repeat the experience again one day....

Foxy

 

Can anyone say how many bridges need to be replaced between Northbridge Street and Junction Road? It does look like a great deal of money has been spent on a relatively short distance with more to come on a new station building. I guess all this would not be done if the RVR weren't pretty certain that the go-ahead would be given at some point to fill in the gap. What kind of timescale would this be on though? Are the landowners prepared to sell the land necessary for the reinstatement of the railway? What about a Transport & Works Order or whatever they are called these days? Is installing level crossings going to be a problem?

I really want this to succeed. I'd just like to know when it's likely to happen!

Best wishes,
Nigel

 

Hi Nigel. Yes, you're not the only one that hopes this succeeds! I will ask the question to see how many bridges remain, but I think it is fewer than have been done now. Regrettably, as far as the rest of your questions are concerned, my understanding (as I am posting on an interested party's behalf) is that the RVR do not wish to make any comments at the present time. As you will appreciate, with a project of this nature, certain aspects have the potential to be extremely delicate. All I can say is that both the RVR and the KESR are doing everything they can to make this extension a reality.

 

I thought there were two stations, one at Robertsbridge and another halt at Northbridge Street?

 

Not originally. There were halts at Junction Road and Salehurst between Bodiam and Robertsbridge, but only a level crossing at Northbridge Street.

 

I see! It is the RVR sign that says 'station coming soon' that has been there quite a while that made me think there was! Thanks for the reply.

 

Isnt the halt at Salehurst still there? used as a club house or something? or am i getting confused with another former station on the headcorn section? are there plans to open any of the former halts at Junction Rd or Salehurst? or will it just be Bodiam then Robertsbridge ?

 

My understanding is that the stations that still exist are on the northern section of the line, between Headcorn and Tenterden. While I am not fully briefed on the plans for the extension, I believe I am right in saying that there will not be a halt at either of the former locations. There is one proposal that I believe is under consideration, but as nothing is definite as yet so I wouldn't want to start a round of speculation.

 

Junction Rd Halt and Salehurst Halt only had platforms, no station buildings. Salehurst was only accessible by a public footpath, although it had a siding for farm traffic.

 

There are no remains of the former Salehurst Halt and as far as I know there are no plans to reinstate it or Junction Road Halt.
On the abandoned Tenterden-Headcorn section the former station at Biddenden is now a private house and High Halden Road was used as a farm office but when I last saw it about a year ago it was just abandoned.