Work starts on Chicken Curve
article by: Ian Crowder
posted on: 06 February 2012
updated on: 06 February 2012
Down came the rain but at least the snow that fell over the
weekend of 4 and 5 February didn't stick around to delay the start
of work to repair the embankment just north of Winchcombe station,
known as 'Chicken Curve'. ITN News was present to film the
occasion.
The first works are to build access roads on both sides of the
embankment. Jonathan Symonds, of consulting engineers David
Symonds Associates, pointed out the extent to which the main part
slip has continued to move, both in terms of length and
depth.
"The monitors that measure the movement within the embankment
over its full length to the B4632 road bridge, are also moving:
some significantly so. There is also a lot of water in the
embankment - if you like, it is acting like a large sponge so
drainage is a vital part of the ultimate repair."
Ken Goodwin, Gloucester reporter from ITN was there to interview
both Jonathan Symonds and Neil Carr who, as operations manager, is
overseeing the day-to-day progress of the project. He
confirmed to viewers that the total cost of the project is expected
to be around £670,000 and that the railway is about £170,000 short
of that target.
"But I believe that once people see we are getting on with the
job it will encourage them to offer financial help. We're
nearly there and the pressure is on. Assuming the money comes
in, and that there are no unforeseen difficulties, we should see
completion of the project and a stable embankment to carry the
railway into the future by September."
The film was expected to be broadcast on ITV West on Monday
evening, 6 February.
The report can be viewed here.
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