Network Rail has announced that work has begun to restore a historic railway footbridge for rail passengers at New Mills Newtown station in the Peak District.
The work, part of the Great North Rail Project, will see the 157-year-old stairs and overbridge strengthened, and the steel will be grit blasted and fully repainted.
The Grade-II listed Victorian structure was originally built in 1863, six years after the station opened.
Maintenance has kept the railway crossing in good condition over the years, but the bridge is now in need of a complete £450,000 restoration.
New Mills Newtown is on the line from Manchester to Buxton and is served by Northern (Northern Trains Limited from March 2020).
The footbridge will be closed until the end of March to complete the improvements. However, trains will not be disrupted during the project.
A diversionary walking route for passengers between platforms will be in place during the restoration project.
What did the officials say?
Tom Syddall, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said:
“New Mills Newtown's 19th century footbridge is a key historic feature of the station. Our restoration work as part of the Great North Rail Project will ensure it remains safe and reliable for decades to come.
“I'd like to thank passengers for bearing with us and using diversions while the much-needed work takes place.”
Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said:
“The station is a significant part of the community in New Mills and the work being carried out by Network Rail will not only secure the future of the bridge, it will ensure the heritage of the area is maintained.
“We're working with Network Rail to keep disruption to our customers to a minimum, but there will be some pedestrian diversions while the work is ongoing. I'd like to thank our customers, in advance, for their patience and understanding during the restoration.”
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