Alton Mains Replacement

Rain, Rain, Go Away ....! We've been having some real issues with water in the past few weeks, the ground where we are working is completely saturated. With half-term holidays for some next week we're going to try and do something about the boggy ground so you're not squelching through too much mud on your walks. Give us a wave as you go past :-)

Happy New Year! For the next few weeks we'll be based around the picnic area at Oakamoor. You'll notice we've laid down some ground matting and fencing. This is to protect the bog during our work but the field is still open to walkers. Speak to one of the team if you have any questions.

We've managed to navigate the tricky pipe replacement around the bridge without too much bother, the elements were kind and we're pretty pleased with how we've managed to put almost everything back as it was. We had an independent environmental survey done beforehand to ensure we weren't disturbing any rare plants. It won't take long for the rest of the forest foliage to re-establish itself. :-)

Who would have thought such a simple little bridge would be such a big challenge! This is the trickest bit of the job so far, laying the pipe when there is a stream in the way. Gas and Water don't mix well so this has taken much engineering think time! Pray it doesn't rain and it should be okay, a massive downpour and we'll have to move to plan B. We'll do our best to keep the path open. Give us a wave before you pass :-)

HALF TERM IS HERE! If you're taking the kids for a stroll or cycle along the old railway line between Oakamoor and Alton next week, just a reminder that we'll still be working, so just make the team aware before you pass our diggers so we know you're there. Such a pretty place to work - wish all our projects were this photogenic!

Getting to know the locals! One of the team made a canine friend after stopping work to let some dog walkers pass. If you're using the path and we're working just signal to us and we'll make sure you can pass safely.

We'll be posting some 'half term ready' updates later in the week. If the weather stays this lovely we expect there'll be a lot of families out making the most of it!

Here's our latest map of where we'll be working in the coming weeks. We'll give a more detailed update just before the half-term break. How long it takes will depend on what we find when we expose the old metal pipes!

Engineering teams have been busy leveling the ground so it's ready for this weekend's visitors. We're about to start working from Lords Bridge up towards Oakamoor and had an engineer visit today to look a how we navigate the stream near the wooden bridge.

URGENT MESSAGE for all horse riders! 🐴🏇🐎 please could you dismount when going past our work? Just in case our machinery spooks your horses? Thank you in advance for understanding - we just want to keep everyone safe. Please tag a friend you know rides along the old railway line

We're making excellent progress! We've finished the stretch from the bridge near Ramblers Retreat to Alton station and are now headed the other way towards Oakamoor car park 😃

Just a reminder that you can still use the old railway line footpath during our works. Here's a map of where you'll likely to see our barriers and machinery if you're walking the route. Please share with any groups or people you think might find this useful. :-)