Major work to refurbish the Grade II listed footbridge at Prudhoe station will begin next week, Network Rail has announced.
From Monday, Network Rail will begin work, totalling £290,000, to refurbish the footbridge, with work including bridge strengthening, as well as cleaning and repainting the structure.
This work will not take place at the station, the bridge will be lifted out in sections and will take place away from the station.
The newly refurbished footbridge will then be installed at the station.
As the footbridge at Prudhoe is listed, all the work that will be carried out will be completed in a way that preserves its heritage.
To allow the work to take place, the footbridge will be closed from Monday 8th June. The project is expected to take three months, with the footbridge set to reopen in September.
Whilst the footbridge is closed, platform access will be via a pedestrian footpath via a level crossing.
Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail's East Coast Route, said: “The work we are doing at Prudhoe railway station will make sure that this historic footbridge can be enjoyed for generations to come. The project does mean there will be temporary changes in how people move around the station, and we're sorry for any disruption which this causes. We'd like to thank all those impacted for their patience whilst we work to restore the bridge and give it some much needed TLC.”
Guy Opperman, MP for Hexham, said: “I am delighted that the local community in Prudhoe will benefit from this further investment in the station. I am committed to seeing continued improvements along the Tyne Valley line and this work at Prudhoe station to refurbish the footbridge is really good news.”
Tony Baxter, Regional Director at Northern, said: “It's great to see such a vital part of the history of Prudhoe railway station being restored to its former glory. Not only will the work being carried out by Network Rail give the bridge a new lease of life, it will also give our customers a safe and secure way of access all parts of the station for many years.”
County Cllr Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, said: “I am delighted with the planned major investment to Prudhoe station, not only will it benefit the local passengers but also support our plans for improving the tourism offer for the whole area.”
Where Next?
RailAdvent Plus
Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Framed Prints, DVD's / Blu-Ray's and more
LocoStop Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline Steam Info
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Network Rail
Visit their website
