As another year comes to an end the work of the Buildings Department continues apace. Currently we are in the throes of creating a more permanent disabled access ramp from the shop in the Old Goods Shed at Alresford. A temporary wooden ramp was installed some years ago and became somewhat permanent but was showing signs of disrepair and also was not compliant with access recommendations. The old ramp was taken apart and the concrete slabs of the exterior pathway lifted (for storage for future use) and the proposed ramp site then had shuttering and steel mesh reinforcing built to accommodate the concrete pour. Pour was not a good word to use as it really poured with rain on the first day identified for the concrete to be laid, so a short delay followed when a better day was found.
However, a fine day was chosen and the rain actually held off so the pour went ahead with a neatly tamped finish achieved. The fittings for the handrails for the ramp were ordered but as we had the tubing already in stock we were able to contain costs somewhat for the next phase. Permanent installation of the handrails will be carried out in the new year after the Steam Illuminations event has concluded and the shuttering removed so we have unfettered access to the site.
Following the preparation of the timbers for the Blakes Crossing replacement seen previously a fortunate dry day enabled the panels to be installed across the country end of the platforms at Ropley. Some preparation work by the PWay chaps to the track was dealt with first then a well oiled system learnt from previous similar tasks was employed to complete the job in a day.
At another crossing, this time at the foot crossing at Northside Lane, we installed a replacement panel with a new one prepared in the workshop. The previous one had suffered from the effects of the weather at this exposed location whilst the remaining ones has fared better. A chilly trip on the Wickham trolley to the site with the new panel and it was put in place during a brief break in the rain.
After what seemed an eternity, we managed to get the replacement running in boards erected back at Alresford just in time for the Father Christmas Express event and Steam Illuminations. The new boards give a smart appearance again to the station as seen from the car park and the trains.
At Medstead the walls to the new S&T Storeroom have finally been erected and fixed to the base with chemical fixed bolts into the concrete slab. The door frame has been installed and will give external access and the existing door from the workshop will give internal access.
A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
