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.

 

Track lifting train at Heage Lane bridge in the autumn of 1990

Tony Griffin

20227 plus unidentified sister loco at Heage Lane

Tony Griffin

Crane used in track lifting near Etwall

Tony Griffin

Bare track bed

Tony Griffin

Remains of slab track near Etwall

A Bousie

Remains of slab track near Etwall

A Bousie

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

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

Filling in

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 bridge

Station Road overbridge viewed from the track bed

Author's collection

Tunnel

The western portal of Mickleover tunnel in 1982 - prior to its being filled in.

Author's collection

That was a cutting once

The view in 2004 looking towards the tunnel - it is more overgrown today

Author

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