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Written by Jason Rodhouse - 13 Jun 2007
last update by Justin Buckley - 06 Jul 2007
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Location notes
Whitacre Junction is where the Birmingham-Nuneaton line meets with the line running from Kingsbury. The location itself is on a large road bridge between the villages of Whitacre Heath and Shustoke.
Please note that not all freight that is scheduled to pass here actually does! Freight can often be diverted via Lea Marston, which is on the other edge of the triangle.
Railway type and traffic
A variety of units can be witnessed here on passenger duties, and DB Schenker, Freightiner all put in appearances on various freight workings.
Hams Hall freight terminal is a mile or so west of the bridge and all traffic to and from goes past this location. However note that some freight workings to and from Kingsbury may be diverted via Lea Marston, even if they are scheduled to pass at this location. It really can be hit and miss in this respect!

When there are engineering works between Birmingham and Coventry WCML Pendolinos are dragged via Water Orton and Whitacre Junc.
Environment
A road bridge across the line.
Recent safety improvements to the bridge means that the parapet is now higher than before, so steps would be a bonus. There is no pavement on the western side of the bridge so it is not the best place for eastbound shots. Also the road is quite busy. Given that approaching traffic from one side is on a tight bend it is not the best place to run across the road on a whim.
Road directions
From the M42, Junction 9:
Head south on the A446 until you reach the first roundabout. Turn left here into the dual carriageway (Faraday Lane) and take the first left which will take you to Lea Marston. From here, head Eastwards which will bring you to Whitacre Heath. When you reach the main road, turn right, and follow this road to the road bridge.

Click here to set up your location for directions to this location

Whitacre Junction map co-ordinates
Parking
You will have to park before or after the bridge to the side of the road, but please ensure you do not block any 'work' entrances..
Public transport
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
There are at least a couple of pubs in the village. Nearby Water Orton has many shops that should provide for any other needs!
Accommodation
You could always try the Railway Guest House in Whitacre Heath itself. There is also a large hotel just to the North of Lea Marston, which is situated off of Haunch lane.
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.
Whitacre Junction

Googly map
Streetmap links
Whitacre Junction general view map
Whitacre Junction close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Whitacre Junction



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Photographic notes
Good shots can be had here up until about mid-afternoon, after which, the sun becomes too 'head-on'.
As mentioned above recent safety improvements to the bridge means that the parapet is now higher than before, so steps would be a bonus.


General views - All photographs © Jason Rodhouse unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north east


Fig 1 - Looking north east


Fig 2 - Looking south west


Fig 2 - Looking south west


Location Video



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