4.4.2 Smallbrook to Wootton to Newport

The IoW Steam Railway section between Smallbrook and Wootton is currently operated under a Light Railway Order. The increase in line speed from 25 mph to 55 mph necessary to provide competitive rail journey times will drive upgrading of the existing infrastructure. Beyond Wootton much of the formation to the outskirts of Newport remains as a public footpath with the exception of ¾ mile between Belmont Lane and Little Fairlee Farm. Several bridges have been removed on the approaching to the Barton area of Newport. Beyond Barton the alignment has been lost entirely to housing development, roads and an industrial estate.

Locations where significant works have been identified include:  

Smallbrook Junction:  a single-track connection would be provided with the existing single to double junction being moved north towards Ryde. The alterations at Smallbrook would trigger the replacement of the Island Line signalling interlocking and panel.

Havenstreet:  trap points on connections between the sidings and the running lines, modifications to provide over-run protection, and allowance for revised platform access arrangements for passengers on safety grounds.

Wootton:  cutting to be restored with a retaining wall to maintain stability and protect adjacent property, in view of the local ground conditions allowance is made that a new bridge will be required. A station platform would be replicated on the reinstated alignment.

Park Road bridge:  re-instate the overbridge, which may require the railway formation to be lowered if the new road profile is to be maintained.

Belmont Lane bridge : replacement with a modern equivalent structure in steel is assumed as the most cost-effective option, and south-west of Belmont Lane one underbridge and a section of earthworks requires re-instatement.

Halberry Lane bridge:  re-instate the overbridge, which also may require the railway formation to be lowered if the new road profile is to be maintained.

Newport (Barton) potential terminus station:  provision of a single platform with a run-round loop for steam trains adjacent to Victoria Road on the original railway alignment. The run round loop would be controlled by ground frame worked by train crew. A basic station with waiting shelter is assumed, although the opportunity exists for the IoW Steam Railway to provide a terminus building.