Light at the end of the tunnel! SVR

During the winter, major engineering work has been carried out on Bewdley tunnel, located between Bewdley and Kidderminster.Bewdley tunnel, which is approximately one quarter mile long, was bored by the Great Western Railway in the final quarter of the 19th century.To mark the end of this important piece of engineering, a 'Tunnel Party' took place on Monday 23rd April. All those who took some part in these works were invited to the celebration which followed the tradition of the railway navigators of old but with a modern-day twist. Instead of having a completion party in the tunnel, our celebration started at Kidderminster station with bacon rolls and lots of hot tea and coffee! After the usual speeches, all of the 21st century navigators joined a train which passed through the tunnel and a ribbon was cut on exit marking the official re-opening of this section of the line.Footnote: The engineering work consisted replacing drainage and trackwork and some repairs to the tunnel lining itself. All of this work was carried out in difficult conditions during the depths of the winter and was completed on time and on budget.Well done to all concerned!

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