During the last 12 months, four bridges have been replaced on the Great Central Railway, which is a major undertaking for the visitor attraction.

One of the bridges is an essential part of the railway’s Reunification scheme, which is the project to link the two separate halves of the Great Central Railway together again. The other three bridges were all on the main line between Loughborough and Rothley.

This month, the main line was closed so that two bridges near Quorn and Woodhouse station, each around 125 years old, could be replaced. This required the track to be temporarily lifted, old structures, removed, and replacement bridges craned into position. While the bridges were being replaced passengers could still travel on trains, but instead of travelling over the main line journeys were over the much-shorter Mountsorrel Branch Line to the heritage centre near the village.

From this weekend, Saturday, 1st and Sunday, 2nd April, visitors will once again be able to experience a full round trip of the line from Loughborough Central, Quorn and Woodhouse, Rothley or Leicester North stations hauled by a heritage steam or diesel locomotive. This weekend’s reopening is timely as the following weekend, which is Easter weekend, a vintage fair is taking place at Quorn and Woodhouse station.

The Great Central Railway’s new General Manager, Malcolm Holmes, said “Our Mountsorrel trains have proved extremely popular and they have helped bring in visitors and income while the main line was shut. Our railway was built 125 years ago so it’s absolutely vital we continue to keep everything in good condition. Investing in the line means it can be a vital asset to the East Midlands for years to come.”

“I would like to thank so many people. Our staff and volunteers have worked really hard to complete these works on time and meanwhile keep trains running on the branch line.

“It’s an honour to be part of such a great team. Much of the finance has been provided by the David Clarke Railway Trust, the official supporting charity of the GCR, so I’d also like to thank everyone who has donated over the years. Together we’re keeping heritage alive and welcoming new generations of families to Leicestershire.”

More information about the Great Central Railway can be found at www.gcrailway.co.uk