Network Rail: Trent Valley, West Coast Mainline Upgrade, Staffordshire: Tamworth (Handsacre) to Lichfield, Haul Roads

From January 2005 to August 2005, Oxford Archaeology (OA) carried out an archaeological watching brief during construction of haul roads associated with the upgrade of the West Coast Main Line between Tamworth (Handsacre) and Lichfield (NGR SK 1860 0680 centred). The work was commissioned by Network Rail in conjunction with
archaeological evaluation works on sites of archaeological interest along the route of the railway. Up to 20 lengths of temporary roadway/site access areas were archaeologically monitored during topsoil stripping.
The watching brief revealed natural clay layers below topsoil along the majority of the haul roads. A number of undated shallow ditches represent field boundaries/drainage features - these were only seen in fields away from the line of the railway itself. Areas of 19th century brick
and rubble debris and modern features associated with the construction and maintenance of the railway were noted.