Renovation of the Line

At the time the Cauldon branch was acquired by the Company (31^st March:2009) the whole of the route from the main line at Stoke to Cauldon Lowe had been largely disused since the late 1980’s and its condition reflected this. The line was completely overgrown throughout and areas were submerged beneath water and mud. Lineside drainage was completely blocked in many locations and the condition of the track was largely unknown due to the extent of the vegetation on the line.

The decision was taken in the Spring of 2010 to clear the junction at Leekbrook and then the line itself, if possible, throughout its entire length to Cauldon so that rail traffic could once again run over it. Initially, this would be to heritage standard to be followed by a further upgrade to full freight standard later when needed.

Work commenced just after Easter : 2010. Professional contractors backed up by large groups of volunteers from the CVR commenced clearance operations at various locations along the line. Work was rapid and following a programme of clearance, repair and renewal of the infrastructure, the whole of the Cauldon branch was passed for heritage running by H M Railway Inspectorate in November and the line was reopened for traffic on November 12^th : 2010. Two weeks of steam and diesel heritage events then celebrated what was rightly recognised as an outstanding achievement. 

The renovation and reopening of the Cauldon branch was a much photographed event and a selection of the best shots appear here.

» Click to view map of line