OVERVIEWTelford Steam Railway proposes a narrow gauge tramway from its planned central station at the power station to The Iron Bridge along the old disused Severn Valley Railway route.
This would connect the park and ride element of the scheme from Lawley Village or Madeley Junction to the town of Ironbridge. It must be made clear that this proposal is only conceptual and is a 'blue sky' idea, and would require significant further development to become a reality. However, we would still like to share the proposal to demonstrate the full ambition of our dream to restore steam services to The Iron Bridge itself. |
THE IRON BRIDGE |
THE VIADUCT |
THE ROUTEThe proposed tramway would follow the route of the former Severn Valley Railway, which used to run from Bridgnorth to Buildwas. In theory, the tramway would begin at our central station at Benthall Grange (Ironbridge Power Station) and follow the standard gauge line.
The tramway would then join the Severn Valley trackbed which is currently used as a footpath meaning it is clear of vegetation. The trackbed follows the contours of the gorge and crosses a viaduct built into the side of the valley, giving views over the historic Merrythought Factory. The trackbed bends further into the bank away from the river and continues straight towards the bridge. We then reach the end of the line just before the road that crosses over the Iron Bridge. A small station would be provided here for guests to access The Iron Bridge and the Toll House. |
WHY NARROW GAUGE ?
The route is currently used as a foot path / bridal way and a tram could share this space with the other users. The viaduct along this route would not need as extensive renewal/maintenance due to the much lower weight of narrow gauge vehicles compared to full sized railway vehicles.
A tram would require minimal station space in Ironbridge that would leave the main car park intact, a standard gauge line would require most of the car park as a station site.
A tram would require minimal station space in Ironbridge that would leave the main car park intact, a standard gauge line would require most of the car park as a station site.
THE STEAM TRAMCommissioned by the Telford Development Corporation in 1979, the steam tram ran on a short length of track in Telford Town Park. Due to legal issues, the project in the park was abandoned and ownership of the Tram was transfer to Telford Steam Railway in 1987.
Today it operates in a short circuit next to Horsehay Pool, allowing passengers to enjoy this unique engine. The Telford Town Tramway is the only steam tramway left in the country, and with a move to Ironbridge it would allow a wider audience experience the rare sight of a steam tram in action. Being a tram engine allows it to run alongside a footpath making it perfect for the proposed Ironbridge Tramway as the footpath can be retained and be in use alongside the Tram. |
THE STEAM TRAM AT HORSEHAY |
THE END OF THE TRACKBED |
THE IRON BRIDGE TERMINUSAt the end of the trackbed, next to The Iron Bridge is a small plot of land which is currently under utilised considering its close proximity to a major tourist attraction.
The concept, is that this space could be re-developed into the terminus of the tramway giving direct access to The Iron Bridge without intruding on the historic landmark. As the tram loads from ground level, a platform isn't necessary. Instead a small paved area with a run around loop, is all that would be required with the option of ornamental extras in the style of vintage tram stops. |
THE TRACKBEDThe line from Bridgnorth to Buildwas closed in 1963, with the trackbed being converted into footpaths and eventually the main car park for Ironbridge. The small section that we would require between The Iron Bridge and Buildwas is in good condition.
The trackbed is free of foliage and well preserved from being used as a footpath. The line passes under bridges and over a viaduct built into the valley. The path is wide enough to accommodate both a 2 foot gauge tramway and the current footpath, as it was built for standard gauge track. The addition of the Tramway would give the residents of Benthall Grange direct access to the town of Ironbridge and bring tourists between the two sites efficiently, while adding another unique attraction to the Ironbridge Gorge. |
TRACKBED GOING UNDER THE BRIDGE |
