Passengers on the Strathspey Steam Railway
are on track to travel further through the Cairngorms National Park
thanks to a decision by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) on
Friday 14 September 2012.
The CNPA Planning Committee approved plans to
extend the railway line - which runs from Aviemore - 100 metres
eastwards from Broomhill to a crossing point over the River Dulnain. In
time, the Strathspey Railway Company would like to re-open the railway
all the way to Grantown on Spey.
Deputy Planning Chairman, Peter Argyle,
said: "This is the first step towards seeing the railway line between
Aviemore and Grantown on Spey reopened, giving people an easy and
enjoyable way to travel along the route and experience the National Park
and something we're happy to support. The steam railway is very popular
with visitors and this will add to their experience and offer potential
benefits to the communities the railway serves."
The bridge over the River Dulnain will be
reinstated with new bridge decking using a former Network Rail steel
bridge which is currently stored in Boat of Garten.
Part of the original stone abutments will be
removed during the work and then rebuilt to their current appearance.
Due to ongoing work on the line, local staff and volunteers are already
skilled in carrying out this kind of work.
Planning Officer, Katherine Donnachie,
said: "Re-using the original stone abutments will keep the original
character of the bridge and preserve a piece of local heritage. We
welcome the re-use of materials from a former steel bridge. There will
be minimal disruption to the natural environment while the work is
carried out, including water of the River Dulnain."
