Double track
Much of the infrastructure of the Severn Valley Railway was constructed to allow for future expansion to double track.
In general, overbridges and viaducts which would have been costly and disruptive to convert at a later date were built to double track width during initial construction of the line, whereas cuttings, embankments and smaller underbridges which could be widened at a later date without disrupting traffic were built to single track width.
Although the railway always remained single track, much evidence of the double trackbed is still visible, particularly in the form of wider bridge spans.
Overbridge at north end of Eardington siding with siding alongside the single running line.
Pig Bridge showing the double track arch over a single track cutting..
Knowlesands Tunnel is another example of a double track arch over a single track cutting.
Accommodation bridge south of Arley showing the single track width of the embankment and minor underbridge
Although the deck of Victoria Bridge is only wide enough for a single track, the abutments were built to double track width. Albert Edward Bridge at Coalbrookdale was built to an almost identical design and carries a double track by means of girders cantilevered out from the four main arched ribs.
Victoria Bridge showing the double track width of the abutments.
Albert Edward Bridge showing the wider bridge deck overhanging the main structure.