The line from Norwich to Brandon was constructed by Messrs Grissell & Peto, and the engineers were Robert Stephenson (1803–1859) and George Parker Bidder (1806–1878). It is likely that it was Bidder, rather than Stephenson, who was closely involved with the project on a day-to-day basis. Construction of the 40 miles were completed with a ceremonial opening on 29 July 1845, at the same time as the
Eastern Counties Railway celebrated their through route from
Shoreditch, London, to Brandon, albeit via the leased
Northern and Eastern Railway line from
Stratford, London to
Newport; the regular passenger service followed on 30 July 1845. The first temporary terminus was just west of the
River Wensum, pending the completion of the
Trowse swing bridge which was achieved in December 1845. Through services from Shoreditch to
Norwich Thorpe station started on 15 December 1845. Generous provision was made for the maintenance of locomotives at Brandon with a six road engine house being provided although once the ECR took over the NR in 1848 the shed's role was diminished as there was no longer a requirement to change locomotives there as they worked through to or from Norwich. ==Merger==