Repairs at last

Varian Tye writes from Box:

” I am very pleased to see that Network Rail have finally started to progress action regarding works to the tunnel portal and Brunel’s Pedestrian Bridge in Sydney Gardens, yet another amazing piece of railway architecture by him, which I have also contacted you regarding its condition in the past.

I understand NR may be considering stone cleaning the tunnel portal with an appropriate method of stone cleaning, which will be needed to also remove some modern graffiti located on the rear of the stone balustrade, more good news, if carried out.

Thanks, should also go to you Richard at Bath Newseum for highlighting the need for action in the past, and all who have written to NR from Bath and Box encouraging them to take action.

As I have watched the contractors’ go forward and back at Box, in some ways in the footsteps of the railway navvies who helped construct it those many years ago, but now with all the modern safety regulations, equipment, and machinery to help, they are all doing a great and difficult job.

However, in relation to the tunnel portal and the root allowed to embed itself below the stone balustrade, and it appears to cause structural problems in the first place. 

I am minded to consider the following words by William Morris, founder of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in 1887, when he spoke of the need to ” stave off decay by daily care …” 

I suggest if NR had acted sooner on tackling the problem, and not let the root grow and grow, we may not be faced with all the work and expense that is required now to remedy the problem.

I hope that once the works are undertaken in both Box and Bath that future maintenance and inspection of these important listed buildings, of national importance, are given the priority by NR they deserve, to avoid the same issues occurring again. 

I have attached photos that you may find of interest  regarding the works at Box. The last photo is from the safety of the purpose-built viewing platform, off the main busy road. You will note most of the vegetation on the railway embankment has still not been cut back, despite my often requests to NR for action.

We have now another summer season of growth before us and an increase in height to look forward to. At present you cannot see any of the trains using the tunnel, steam or otherwise, from the safety of  the viewing platform, and by the end of the summer months I wonder what will be left of Brunel’s Tunnel to see.

I hope NR will ensure that the vegetation is cut back after the summer months, before the next growing season starts in 2027 . Then establish a maintenance programme to ensure it is cut back at regular and appropriate times to maintain the important view of the tunnel, and the trains that use is it, from the safety of the viewing platform.”

Thank you for the images too!