The Sun.
London, England, 1834-11-28 00:00:00

ENGINEER'S REPORT.

Drawn up by order of Peter Hesketh Fleetwood, Esq., of Rossall
Hall, 31. P., for the borough of Preston, in the county of Lan-
caster.

TO-PETER HESKETH FLEETWOOD. ESQ., M.P.

Sir,—ln laying before you my report, with the surveys, section,
and estimates for making a railway, from the town of Preston: to
the harbour of Wyre, together with such improvements and ac-
commodation for shipping in the said harbour as appear to be neces-
sary at the opening of the railway, and for a short time after, I have
the honour to report that, in conformity with your instructions, I
have carefully examined the country extending between the town
of Preston and the harbour of Wyre, and I have much satisfaction
in stating that it would be difficult to find a more favourable coun-
try, of the same extent, for the construction of a railway.
The whole length, 171/ miles, may be made without interfering
with any park, ornamental, or villa grounds, and without touching
more than one very inferior dwelling.
The section will also show that the total difference of level be-
tween the termini is but 41 feet ; the highest point or summit level
being the terminus at Preston, on the same level as, and very near
to, the Lancaster Canal, and only 600 feet distant from the pro-
posed termination of the North Union Railway. On the Section
you will perceive that the greatest inclination of the Railway will
not exceed seven feet six inches per mile, which extends along four
miles, and the whole of the remainder is nearly level. Another very
material advantage which this line of country presents is that, not-
withstanding so great an extent of country is traversed on levels
more favourable than have hitherto been obtained in making of
Railways ; yet the quantity of earth to be removed, which now ex-
ceeds the proper elevation, will exactly provide the quantity neces-
sary for filling such other parts as are at present below the intended
level of the Railway ; and it is important to observe that the cut-
tings and embankments are fortunately so divided along the line,
that the transport of the materials will be short as compared with
ether undertakings of the like description.
The soil is also very favourable for the making of bricks, bywhich
considerable expense will be saved.
Near the town of Preston a viaduct about 600 feet in length, and
averaging 25 feet high, will carry the railway across a narrow and
abrupt valley, and there also will cross over the turnpike road lead-
ing from Preston to Kirkham ; the work will be very ornamental.
You will perceive on the plan, that the line, although considera-
bly shorter than the turnpike road to Poulton, forms a gentle curve,
in order that the towns of Kirkham and Poulton may derive every
advantage which the new communication can provide. .
With regard to the harbour of Wyre, I regret that the drawings
are not yet completed • a plan of the whole harbour, showing all the
soundings and parts left uncovered at low water, is now in a forward
state ; but as I am perfectly acquainted with the details, I feel no
hesitation in assuring you that it possesses every natural qualifica-
tion for very extensive commercial operations, and I have no reason
to doubt that the sum inserted in the general estimate will be suf-
ficient to provide a convenient wharf for five or six vessels at a time,
and suitable warehouses for the protection of such goods as may re-
quire being sheltered.
Although this work will necessarily be upon a small scale, yet it
is my intention so to make the arrangements as that, whenever an
extensive accommodation may be found desirable, it will form a
part of the augmented establishment.
The navigation of the Wyre is perfectly free from intricacies ; its
entrance from sea is direct from the N.N.W., four or five miles in
length, and 200 yards wide; along its western side is a fixed bank
of sand and gravel, partially uncovered, during a great portion of
each tide, forms a sort of breakwater to the channel. At present the
passage is but imperfectly marked with a buoy and staff, but if
much frequented, would soon be greatly improved ; this bank is
called the Nor-wharf. From half-flood to half-ebb, vessels drawing
16 feet of water may enter with safety • and at high-water, during
tides, this channel has 36 feet of water, and has never
the aiming
less than five feet. The anchorage throughout the channel and
harbour is on good holding ground.
I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant,
G. LANDMANN,
_

Civil Engineer to the London and dreenwich Railway.
Estimated Cost of making a Railway from Preston to the Harbour
of Wyre, for a single Line of Road, but including the Cost of
Land, Bridges, and Viaduct for a double Line :
Land. ............................................ - .................... £17,500
Cutting and Embanking
Draining and Fencing ~ 4,000
Bridges
Viaduct near Preston
Stone, Blocks, and Sleepers
Rails, Chairs, &c., and Laying
Turn Plates, &c 5OO
. ....,.

Ballasting
Gates and Lodges
Embankment in the Wyre
Wharf and Warehouses
Engines and Carriages

4,500
1,000
4,500
11,000
8,000

109,010
Add for contingencies rather more than 1-10th 10,990