The timetable for completion of the revived Welsh Highland Railway within Porthmadog has now been firmed up. Designs for the abutments of the triangular bridge-widening span, adjacent to Britannia Bridge, have been completed following test pile-driving of the riverbank. The span will be supported by three pre-cast concrete beams, but the WHR(C) centreline will not pass over the widened span, which largely takes the footway. Contractors Carillion will lay embedded track over the bridge in May or June, completing all bridge work by the summer holiday season. The marine construction licence required before extending The Cob at Harbour station on the seaward side (RM Apr) has been granted, but work cannot be undertaken until winter. With opening the WHR(C) over its full length due for Easter 2009, a temporary connection between the WHR and FR is being made with a turnout already placed in the FR platform line and a short section of WHR platform to be built in front of Spooner's Bar. This link will enable FR/ WHR construction and test trains to run earlier than envisaaed.
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