Building the last Main Line Railway

Catesby Tunnel and Viaduct: gcrcs186

View of the northern portal of Catesby tunnel and the poorly laid contractor's temporary track in August 1896. The tunnel, in common with most structures on the line, was built in advance of the forming of the cuttings and embankments. This was due to the time such structures could take, particularly tunnels. In this instance the area leading to the portal was excavated but only to a width to accommodate the contractor's equipment, the removal of spoil and the importation of bricks.

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