Jackfield gates lifted into place
The iconic railway crossing gates are being reinstalled at Jackfield after a year-long project to renovate them to their former glory.
The railway gates, which date back to 1862, were taken down in April last year after Telford & Wrekin Council announced it would fund their restoration.
After drying out over the summer at Coalbrookdale-based Small Woods Association, it became apparent that the gates were beyond repair and that a replacement set was needed.
Heritage craft officers and a group of volunteers then spent more than 1,000 hours creating new gates using historical photographs taken circa 1960/70 as a blueprint.
On Wednesday 8 May the new gates were installed. With each gate measuring 38ft, a crane is needed to lift them into place. Consequently there will be a road closure in place. The first gate will be lifted at approximately 10.15am.
Although the lift is expected to be completed in a day, the council has allowed for a two-day road closure in case of any delays.
A safe viewing area will be set up for local residents interested in seeing the gates lifted into place. Staff will be on hand to guide people to the viewing area.
The finishing touches to the gates, including finials, lamp and stop board, will be added over the coming weeks.
The completed gates will be unveiled at the Ironbridge Festival in July.
Nikki Heath, assistant project engineer at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “The gates have been a labour of love for everyone who has worked on them. Everyone has worked so hard and it will just be fantastic to see them back where they belong.”
