Local MPs^▸ (Member of Parliament) on the route pushed like mad for quite a few years for Crossrail to be extended to Reading. 

A great example of being careful what you wish for.

There’s a number of case studies on their website, this link should go to the one about the Maidenhead platform lengthening.  Please see the 29 photo gallery, shows all the components.

I think once built they’re almost undetectable, as the walking surface is solid concrete and the visible front face under the coping is also a concrete “skin”.
https://www.megatechprojects.co.uk/projects/maidenhead/

Paul

I think at the site of Ashley Down the tracks installed were the new mains on the east side.  It varied side to side in different areas along the whole length of the bank, but it’s possible the relief side was still in its original position prior to four tracking.

Ah, I’ve since found another possibility, specifically designed to replace rivets on bridges etc, called “tension control bolts”. They look very similar to the one you’ve pointed out in the photo, that I missed first time:

https://www.tcbolts.com/en/products/tcb-standard

Their website mentions a number of previous rail related contracts, half a million in the Forth Bridge for example:

https://www.tcbolts.com/en/projects/bridges/rivet-replacement

Paul

In the second of the photos in the Twitter link, they are reinstating the deck plates, (that I assume were removed to make room for piling), does anyone know if the lines of domed heads showing are rivets, or if they are some sort of bolt or screw designed to look like rivets? 

Paul

Latest Network Rail summary on Twitter says that the viaduct is back in place and they’re reballasting etc:
https://twitter.com/networkrailwest/status/1665658184772599808

216m lengths of long welded rail on a delivery train would trump wind turbine blades, and probably be much more frequent?

Paul

Report on Network Rail website of an upcoming blockade to install platforms at future Ashley Down station:

PS  Filton Bank reverts to a two track railway for the duration. “Two Track Now” 

Paul

I therefore predict more developments of 149 units.

I suspect it’s mainly anti trespass.  On the other side of that wall they’ve effectively left a higher level terrace above the wall at pavement level, that faces the taxi rank and drop off roads etc.  Although it’s gated off at the western end near the staff club, it wouldn’t be difficult to climb up to.

Paul

12. Portway park & ride. Not yet open?

Paul

The detailed report does refer to a “new ECML^▸ (East Coast Main Line) station” at Tempsford.

As I understand it Marsh Barton also has the way finding tactiles leading on or off the platform.

So has Portway (park & ride), I just noticed it in the recent photo quiz thread.

Paul

The sea wall between Coastguards and the Colonnade, and the new footbridge, have been opened to the public this afternoon.  I think this means there is level access between the tunnel and Dawlish Warren, and the beach is now open in time for the bank holiday weekend. 

There’s a narrow fenced off section where work continues on the seaward side of the new footbridge.

Paul

Images from Network Rail on Twitter show the progress with the row of piles, they basically line up with the ends of the three main girders, it looks like a small area of deck plating has been removed for vertical access:

https://twitter.com/networkrailwest/status/1658843943038009349

I’m surprised they’re saying it’s just starting today 17th, given the previous photos taken on the 15th…

Paul