Written by Vince - 14 Dec 2003
last update by Marcus Dawson - 06 Mar 2009
and by Mark Bearton - 09 Mar 2009
Location notes
A footbridge situated on the main line between Derby and Birmingham, just to the north of Central Rivers depot.

Update from Bob McClellan 20th May 2009:
The footpath has been officially closed by the local council for repair work.
It does not say for how long. We went down the path which is overgrown to the footbridge which was wired off.
Railway type and traffic
Cross Country workings from Derby to Birmingham, East Midlands Trains operate services from Derby to Birmingham.
Freight services mainly operated by DB Schenker and Freightliner and also Fastline Coal Workings.
Serco test trains and movements from Brush works to the West coast will also often pass here.
Environment
The footbridge is on a foot path that used to run across open fields, but the building of the LH Group and the Graycar Business Park this was rerouted. It is a very sparsley used park and is tucked 'out of the way' behind the industrial estate. You are only likely to encounter walkers.
Road directions
From the southbound carriageway of the A38, between Burton upon Trent and Lichfield, park in the Travelodge/Little Chef car park just after Burton.
From here turn right out of the car park and walk along the A34 roadside towards Burton on Trent/Derby. The grass verge is quite wide. When you have passed about half of the industrial estate complex, there is a small style in the hedge. This is a public footpath, although it was somewhat overgrown at the time of updating (03/09). Follow the path around the edge of the industrial estate towards the railway. You will pass through the grounds of the LH Group Services, there are often small, shunter sized, locos and road rail vehicles in the car park!
When the foot path reaches the railway you will see a green footbridge which is ideal for photography.

Barton Under Needwood map co-ordinates
Parking
There is parking in the Travelodge / Little Chef car park.
Public transport
Arriva service 112 operates hourly between Birmingham and Burton via Lichfield along the A38 with stops on the main road.
Amenities
A Little Chef serving 'gorgeous' motorway food.
Accommodation
Plenty available at the Burton-on-Trent Travelodge.
Where on the map

Sun Compass
Open this Image in a new window and use as a sun compass with the links below.

Streetmap links
Barton Under Needwood general view map
Barton Under Needwood close up map

Multimap links
Barton Under Needwood on new multimap
Barton Under Needwood general view map
Barton Under Needwood close up map
Barton Under Needwood aerial view (where available)

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Barton Under Needwood
Some areas not available at all zoom levels,.

Helpful location information
Weather forecast
Railway Gen Group
Midlands Gen
Photographic notes
The country side of the bridge is ideal for photographing towards Burton during the morning/early afternoon; whereas the industrial estate side is idea in the afternoon towards Burton. Looking towards Birmingham in the sunlight provides poor photos, however on cloudy days, good photos can be obtained.
There is often noise from the industrial unit next to the location which would interfere with sound recordings.

If you do find this information useful then please feel free to mention how you 'found' the location on your website or magazine submission.
Offical Guidelines for Railway Enthusiasts
British Transport Police Guidelines for rail enthusiaist
Network Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiasts
ATOC/National Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiasts

If you see anything suspicious the British Transport Police can be contacted on their crime telephone number:
0800 405040
Help all us railway enthusiasts get a better name by helping the British Transport Police catch the cable thief's and vandals.
Links to photographs at this location
A selection of photos from a nice bridge.
Barton-under-Needwood
General views - All photographs © Vince unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north east


Fig 1 - Looking north east

This north easterly wide view show the Drakelow power station in the background. Trains can be seen aproaching for quite some distance.

Fig 2 - Looking north east


Fig 2 - Looking north east

A tighter version of fig 1.

Fig 3 - Looking north east


Fig 3 - Looking north east

Same location / direction as fig 2 but from the opposite side of the bridge

Fig 4 - Looking south west


Fig 4 - Looking south west

Reverse angle of the above figs. this view shows the B5016 road in the background

Fig 5 - Looking south west



Fig 5 - Looking south west

Same location / direction as fig 3 but from the opposite side of the bridge.

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