Final closure 1990
The building of the A516 Etwall by-pass, which was a feeder to the A50 M1 to M6 link road, spelled the end for the test track as it came at the time when the Research Department was rationalising its assets and in July 1990 the line was closed. Track lifting was completed by October the same year. The route is now severed by the A516 dual carriageway, built to join up with the A50 road between the M1 and the Potteries. This is just to the east of Etwall station.
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Track lifting train at Heage Lane bridge in
the autumn of 1990 Tony Griffin |
20227 plus unidentified sister loco at Heage Lane Tony Griffin |
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Crane used in track
lifting near Etwall Tony Griffin |
Bare track bed Tony Griffin |
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Remains of slab
track near Etwall A Bousie |
Remains of slab
track near Etwall A Bousie |
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Remains of slab
track near Etwall - now
all removed and track bed turned into a cycle track A Bousie |
On 13th September 1990 a demolition train is seen heading away
from Heage Lane towards Ash Lane, Etwall
A Bousie |
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The track bed some days later
A Bousie |
Mickleover depot site with remains of aerodynamic test track in
2003
Author |
Earlier works
The filling of the cutting east of Mickleover station commenced in 1982
The filling of the cutting
commenced after a suitable access point was made in the sleeper
fence on the station approach road.
Author's collection |
Station Road overbridge viewed from the track
bed
Author's collection |
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The western portal of Mickleover tunnel in
1982 - prior to its being filled in.
Author's collection |
The view in 2004 looking towards the tunnel -
it is more overgrown today Author |