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Batley's Soothill Tunnel would doubtless enjoy a flow of fresh water; instead it's permeated by foul liquids that seep in from the former landfill site above it, giving rise to noxious gases. Back in the Nineties, cracks were discovered in its lining caused by the machinery used to manage the waste; since then the tunnel's been sealed up. Not a pleasant place, but that shouldn't detract from our admiration of the engineering.
Many years ago, the area surrounding Clifton Viaduct would have been pungent too thanks to the adjacent bleach works and Bolton Corporation's sewage farm. They've now gone; so too has the viaduct's railway. But the structure itself is still a significant landmark, one that will be familiar to regular users of the M60 as it traverses the Irwell Valley, north of Manchester.
Having uploaded a gallery of Victoria Tunnel pictures a few months ago, this time we add shots of its conjoined twin, Waterloo Tunnel. This pair should have formed a continuous two-mile connection between Edge Hill and Liverpool docks, but they ended up linked by a 69-yard box cutting at Byrom Street where shunting operations took place.
And in the last (for now?) of his reminiscences about Ossett Station, Roger Hepworth describes the scene as weekday commuters gathered for the five-to-eight London train. If the town's businessfolk want to visit the capital today, they have to travel to Wakefield Westgate - three miles away - and fork out £249 for a return ticket. That's progress for you!
Over the past few months, we've showcased a number of fabulous images in this editorial ramble; this time we offer a whole gallery. Photographer Robbie Shone has embarked upon some incredible adventures with his camera. Enjoy a full tour of his website, starting here with his take on the Monsal Trail tunnels.
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