| Iarnród Éireann is to undertake major works on the Cork-Cobh commuter line during October and November, to modernise station platforms and other facilities along the route.
The works on the Cork-Cobh line include: - the upgrading of 11 platforms at 6 stations along the route. - laying of cable ducting for signalling, electrical and telecoms - facilitating construction of a new overbridge at Woodhill, including a retaining wall at the approach to the bridge - coastal defence and landslip protection works at key sites - installation of a watermain for Cork County Council - signalling adjustments to facilitate the reopening of the Cork-Midleton line The works represent an investment of €5 million in the route, and are part of a wider package of investment in Cork’s commuter rail network. Therefore to see the lines stations in their present format before the upgrade, I spent a couple of hours at different locations between Cork and Cobh. Meanwhile work is well advanced on the reopening of the 6 1/4 mile Glounthaune-Midleton railway. The first sections of track & signals have recently been laid at Glounthaune and work on the new stations at Carrigtwohill and Midleton is progressing nicely. The Glounthaune - Midleton railway is due to reopen in 2009. **UPDATE DECEMBER 2008** A update to this collection from December 29th 2008 sees the upgraded stations at Little Island, Glouthaune, Carriageloe, Rushbrooke and Cobh, plus the latest work on the Glouthaune - Midleton reopening project. **UPDATE JULY 2009** A long overdue update to this collection, showing the completed work on the branch. I had planned to spend most of the day in the area but due to some unforeseen circumstances I didn't arrive until late afternoon. Pictures of 175 on the driver training at Waterrock Level Crossing and Midleton, plus 2600 & 2700's class DMU's at Glounthaune. |
Little Island Station looking towards Cork. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7506.JPG |
Little Island Signal Cabin which will close after the last train on Friday 3rd October 2008. The Cabin controlled the line between Dunkettle through Little Island and onwards to Glounthaune, including the North Esk Freight Yard. With the closure of North Esk terminal the cabin's importance has declined. Glouthaune cabin, which is normally switched out will now be switched in full time once the line is reopened. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7510.JPG |
2711 + 2712 + 2705 + 2706 arrive at Little Island with the 1030 Cobh - Cork. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7519.JPG |
2711 + 2712 + 2705 + 2706 depart for Cork passing Little Island's Down Home Signal. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7524.JPG |
The station at Glounthaune which is situation at the edge of an inlet of Cork Harbour. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7528.JPG |
Glounthaune station looking at the junction where the Midleton line diverges. Mon 29.09.08 1280x744 DSCF7530.JPG |
2706 + 2705 + 2712 + 2711 pass Glounthaune Village with the 1100 Cork - Cobh. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7534.JPG |
The 1100 Cork - Cobh at Glounthaune Station. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7543.JPG |
The trackbed of the Glounthaune - Midleton line is current being prepared. This view is looking towards Glounthaune. The bridge in the distance carries the old Cork - Waterford road over the railway. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7555.JPG |
View looking towards Carrigtwohill. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7556.JPG |
View from a road bridge outside Carrigtwohill. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7559.JPG |
The residents of these new houses on the outskirts of Carrigtwohill will no doubt be regular users of the rail link once it is reopened in 2009. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7560.JPG |
The old Carrigtwohill Station with the former station building now being refurbished for use as a equipment room. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7564.JPG |
The new Carrigtwohill station takes shape. It will be capable of handing 4 car trains. The new station is situated on a dymanic loop about 1km long. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7566.JPG |
New Car park also taking shape at Carrigtwohill. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7567.JPG |
Ongoing work on the rail link between Carrigtwohill and Midleton. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7572.JPG |
Ongoing work on the rail link between Carrigtwohill and Midleton. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7573.JPG |
Waterrock Level Crossing looking towards Carrigtwohill. Take a look at the excellent eiretrains site to see Waterrock LC before the reopening works begun at http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/W/Waterrock%20LC/A&Bindex.html 1280x960 DSCF7577.JPG |
Waterrock Level Crossing looking towards Midleton. Take a look at the excellent eiretrains site to see Waterrock LC before the reopening works begun at http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/W/Waterrock%20LC/A&Bindex.html 1280x960 DSCF7579.JPG |
Waterrock Level Crossing looking towards Midleton. Take a look at the excellent eiretrains site to see Waterrock LC before the reopening works begun at http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/W/Waterrock%20LC/A&Bindex.html 1280x960 DSCF7580.JPG |
Kennels Level Crossing at the 5 3/4 MP, just outside Midleton has been replaced by a new overbridge. This is the view looking towards Cork. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7582.JPG |
View looking towards Midleton from the new bridge. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7585.JPG |
The new overbridge which has replaced Kennels Level Crossing. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7588.JPG |
Midleton Station is less advanced than that at Carrigtwohill. The station building can be seen in the distance. Mon 29.09.08 1280x960 DSCF7589.JPG |
