apologies - typo -  I meant *east* of the tunnel, not west.

Also very best wishes to the driver https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-59143021

This cab-view video shows the state of the vegetation in the cutting west of the tunnel in 2015.

In this video, signal SY31 is passed at around 38:33 (having become visible at around 38:21), and the junction is passed at around 38:45.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLV_D2RHeMc

My immediate thought was "Is that a new programme with Michael Portillo?"

Inspired by BB's reports I diverted my morning cycle to work past the site today. There is indeed a temporary haul road extending south from Water Lane to meet Clapperbrook Lane. It liesa few metres to the west of the cycle/footpath which runs along the west bank of the canal (and which remains open).

I assume the haul road must have been the access for the articulated lorry that I saw unloading concrete blocks in the embryonic station car park. (They looked a bit like the blocks that are used to support modern station platforms).

2. Shortest and longest platforms?

8. A) Walkergate. B) Walker. C) Percy Main. D) Manors.

Date - 1930s?

For info - I have just incorporated the latest 2019-20 data into my clickable map of trends in railway station usage:

http://empslocal.ex.ac.uk/people/staff/tej202/stations.htm

We have a winner!

Congratulations! I don't know if your 'prize' should be BNM's 50p wager? 

No one has guessed the mystery line in 24 hours, so here is another clue:

The name of the company that built and operated this line contains a keyboard character that does not appear in the name of any other British railway company.

...it does - but it isn't...

It's a genuine line - from one settlement to another, that lasted for less time than, for example, the L&B

Sorry, no - but a great example! The one I'm thinking of was open for a *remarkably* short amount of time.....

I'm afraid it isn't...

Great answers, but not the one I'm thinking of, for which additional clues are


- not a tramway
- not on an island [edit: well, I mean it is in mainland Britain]


I can think of a final clue (which would make it rather easy to guess, I think) which I can give this evening if no-one gets it before then....

A fascinating suggestion from grahame (I'm learning about lots of railways I didn't even know existed), but I'm afraid it isn't the one and BNM loses his 50p.

I can add some more clues (in bold):

- in our area
- standard gauge
- carried passengers
- has an unusual characteristic with regard to its relationship with the rest of the network
- closed remarkably early (during the 20th century)
- worked by adhesion throughout

Another great suggestion, but not the one I'm thinking of (which was open for a remarkably short amount of time).