MASCOT CROSSING CLOSURE
The coming week is the last for the level crossing in Mascot (Sydney, Australia). It will be replaced by a westward extension to Wentworth Avenue, that passes under the line where the historic 'Meadow Lea' bridge was located (see last photo).
While there is no doubt that the closure will be welcomed by both road users and train drivers, it has been a popular photographic location for decades, I personally having spent a large amount of my life there.
While there is no doubt that the closure will be welcomed by both road users and train drivers, it has been a popular photographic location for decades, I personally having spent a large amount of my life there.
The June 29th closure came as a bit of a surprise as it does not seem likely that the bridge will also open on that date. Guess we shall soon find out.
Today I went down to the crossing to get some photos. A few workers were noted doing some work around the crossing itself, presumably preliminary work for the upcoming closure. Trains did not seem to be operating today and it is thought that Friday (June 28th) night will see the last trains to use the crossing.
Botany Railway Line SIG
Today I went down to the crossing to get some photos. A few workers were noted doing some work around the crossing itself, presumably preliminary work for the upcoming closure. Trains did not seem to be operating today and it is thought that Friday (June 28th) night will see the last trains to use the crossing.
Botany Railway Line SIG
While the photos taken here number in the hundreds, I have chosen just a few from over the years. Afterall, Blogger only has so much space :-)
Probably the most exciting, in recent times, was the visit of restored Garratt locomotive 6029 on a private charter. Despite attempts to keep it secret, the news got out and many locals turned out to witness it.
Probably the most exciting, in recent times, was the visit of restored Garratt locomotive 6029 on a private charter. Despite attempts to keep it secret, the news got out and many locals turned out to witness it.
As can be seen from the following map, while the crossing has been there for decades, the streets around the areas have changed greatly.
The former Ascot Racecourse at upon what is now the corporate aviation and helipad areas.
As can be seen, trams used to once cross the line to serve the racecourse, though I cannot recall ever seeing any photos of this.
As mentioned earlier, there was a nearby bridge that was often referred too locally as the 'Meadow Lea' bridge, this due to advertising that it carried for a long time.
The last photo shows this bridge back in the 90s when the 82 class were still new. In fact, this was one of the first times we were to get there type out here.
This bridge was built for double track, but was never to see it. The new Wentworth Avenue bridge has also been built for double track and it is now looking like the single line gap will finally be duplicated.
The bridge was historic in that it was probably the last racecourse relevant item left in the area, it being used to get racehorses across to the track.
The former Ascot Racecourse at upon what is now the corporate aviation and helipad areas.
As can be seen, trams used to once cross the line to serve the racecourse, though I cannot recall ever seeing any photos of this.
As mentioned earlier, there was a nearby bridge that was often referred too locally as the 'Meadow Lea' bridge, this due to advertising that it carried for a long time.
The last photo shows this bridge back in the 90s when the 82 class were still new. In fact, this was one of the first times we were to get there type out here.
This bridge was built for double track, but was never to see it. The new Wentworth Avenue bridge has also been built for double track and it is now looking like the single line gap will finally be duplicated.
The bridge was historic in that it was probably the last racecourse relevant item left in the area, it being used to get racehorses across to the track.
Interested in the Botany Railway line?
We cover rail operations, of all types, that existed between Gardeners Road and Botany Bay, be they heavy rail, industrial or tram in nature.
From time to time we cover industries that were served by rail, and even local buses.
If that thrills, come visit us. Botany Railway Line SIG.
No comments:
Post a Comment