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Location notes
Ryecroft Junction is immediately north of Walsall station and is the junction between the line towards Rugeley and the 'Sutton Park' freight line to Water Orton.
Railway type and traffic
There is an hourly passenger service, usually Centro's 150 units, to Rugeley, and a variety of freight. Most of these are coal trains to Rugeley Power Station which tend to pass through twice as they currently run round at Bescot, also any freight heading from Bescot to both the South-west, north-east or towards Nuneaton/Leicester.
Environment
The bridge stands between housing dominated by blocks of flats and an area of largely small business units. It should be fairly safe during the day though probably not recommended at night.
Road directions
From the roundabout on the A34 immediately north of Walsall Town Centre, head north on the A454 to the next roundabout where the A481 diverges. Almost on this roundabout, but slightly before, turn left into Butts Road and this road will lead you over speed humps and bring you to the bridge.
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Parking
You are best to park on the north-west side of the bridge near some factory units. You can see your car from the bridge.
Public transport
Ryecroft Junction is about a 15-20 minute walk from Walsall station which has frequent services to Birmingham.
Come out of the station and walk north up Station Street and turn right onto Park Street. Using the Park Street arcade as a cut through head up Hatherton Road and Hatherton Street for around 800 yards till you come the junction with North Street. Turn left and you are at the location.
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Amenities
Pubs and corner shops a short distance away on the estate.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Ryecroft Junction
Googly map
Streetmap links
Ryecroft Junction general view map
Ryecroft Junction close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Ryecroft Junction
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Photographic notes
Light is best for trains heading towards Walsall/Bescot/Birmingham, from about 1pm onwards. Shots on the 'right side for the sun' before this would only be possible with a step-ladder due to the high parapet, and this may not be recommended in this area. To the left of the bridge a metal fence edges the pavement, but it is easily wide enough to fit a lens through.
To the south towards Walsall it is possible to just see over the bridge at the lowest point, though only if you are fairly tall.
General views - All photographs © Mark Bearton unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north
Fig 2 - Looking north
Fig 3 - Looking south
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