In 1966, services on the Somerset and Dorset Railway ceased, and over the next short period the line was lifted, cuttings back filled and tunnels sealed.
The Somerset and Dorset line will never come back, and it was always going to be top of Dr. Beeching's list of lines to close.
Known as the 'slow and dirty', it is easy to understand why.
Although most of the line was double, the section between Bath Green Park and Midford was single. This created a severe bottle neck with no passing places. Although it was planned to double this section in reality it was never going to happen simply because of tunnel constraints.
Furthermore, on departure from Bath Green Park, the line entered a severe gradient and left curvature. This continued through two tunnels and slippage was a common factor in traction.
However, these two tunnels, The Devonshire, and Coombe Down Tunnel are scheduled to be reopened after many years. They are to be part of a cycle route and funds have been made to uncover the portals, clean off the years of soot, tarmac the surface and provide suitable lighting.
The Devonshire Tunnel, 447 yards long in its service days. This is the South portal. The tunnel bore was restrictive with less that 1ft to spare between funnel and tunnel roof at times.
The South Portal now uncovered. The wall will be removed in order to gain proper service access to tarmac the surface and install lighting.
The Coombe Down Tunnel, leading on to Tucking Mill and Midford was 1 mile and 69 yards long and unventilated!
Photographs to follow.
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