Bittern Line
| Bittern Line | |
|---|---|
.JPG) |
|
| Overview | |
| Type | Heavy rail |
| System | National Rail |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale |
Norfolk East of England |
| Termini |
Norwich Sheringham |
| Stations | 10 |
| Operation | |
| Opened | 1874–77 |
| Owner | Network Rail |
| Operator(s) | Abellio Greater Anglia |
| Character | Rural branch line |
| Rolling stock |
Class 153 "Sprinter" Class 156 "Sprinter" Class 170 "Turbostar" |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 30.41 mi (48.94 km) |
| Number of tracks | 1-2 |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The Bittern Line is a railway line from Norwich to Cromer then Sheringham in Norfolk, England. It is one of the most scenic in the East of England traversing the Norfolk Broads on its route to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the North Norfolk Coast. The line is part of the Network Rail Strategic Route 7, SRS 07.11 and is classified as a rural line. It is named after the bittern, a rare bird found in the reedy wetlands of Norfolk.
The line was opened between Norwich and North Walsham in 1874 by the East Norfolk Railway, and reached Cromer by 1877. The rest of the line, between Cromer and Sheringham, was opened in 1887 using a section of the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway line (a further section of the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway running from Sheringham to Holt is preserved as the North Norfolk Railway).
The Bittern Line Partnership was set up by Norfolk County Council in 1997.
In November 2006 track renewal work began with whole lengths of the old track being lifted and new rails and sleepers being installed, along with new level crossing points. The work will improve the ride comfort and safety and reduce noise levels for those living near to the track. The work was carried out by Balfour Beatty on behalf of Network Rail.
...
Wikipedia