A NEW PLATFORM
Avon Riverside was never an original station, it was never open under British Railways or any of its predecessors. Instead, it was opened by the Avon Valley Railway to serve as a location passengers could alight and enjoy a picnic or a walk along the river, lying just South of the River Avon and the large river bridge. The station is currently the southern terminus of the line and is where the locomotive will change ends of the train to return back to Bitton station. Details of how this station was built are as follows:
7151 awaiting departure at Avon Riverside station in April 2005.
© Geoff Clark
THE RIVER AVON PROJECT
The large-scale project undertaken from 2000 to 2004, and which cost the Avon Valley Railway £150,000, was the extension of the line southwards for around 400 metres. Although only covering a short distance, the extension required track to be laid across the river bridge (involving a highly expensive safety examination of the structure), plus the construction of a brand new platform with a run-round loop.
The construction of the new platform “Avon Riverside” marked a watershed moment in the life of the line. Trains no longer require ‘top-and-tail’ engines on the southbound journey and spectators can watch steam engines running round and coupling up at both ends of the line. Amongst other advantages, it enables passengers and users of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path – including the disabled – to reach the riverside and picnic area by train. British Waterways have added to the facilities by building a 50-metre landing stage at the riverbank, allowing craft using the river to tie up alongside. Within walking distance of the platform are a host of excellent pubs and the large, popular Avon Valley Country Park is close by.
