Waterworks Crossing
The Waterworks Crossing is situated north of milepost 145¾. It provides access for a private road to the Hampton Loade Water Treatment Works which is owned by South Staffs Water. The plant which can be partly seen on the left in the second picture. The site produces water and sends it to Sedgley Reservoir where it is shared between South Staffs Water and Severn Trent Water in order to supply Birmingham and the surrounding area[1].
Water is taken from the river and piped over the bridge before settling in the nearby Chelmarsh Reservoir, which is close to the railway on the western side although not visible. It is then sent back under the train line and over the bridge to to the treatment plant. After passing under the railway in the vicinity of the crossing, the pipes cross the Severn, forming the two blue arches that support the decking of the private road bridge before heading onto site for treatment[1].
The crossing has appeared in a number of films and TV series. These include the 1972 ITV series “Doctor in Charge” and the 1977 Walt Disney Productions live action family film Candleshoe.
Tragically, the crossing was the location of a fatal accident in January 1994 where a locomotive struck a van whilst it was negotiating the crossing fatally injuring the driver who was on his way home after finishing his shift. An inquest in May recorded a verdict of 'accidental death' with no blame attached to the Railway.
The crossing is normally gated when not in use, as seen in the first photograph.
References
See also
Towards Kidderminster
List of infrastructure
Towards Bridgnorth
Accidents
