Network Rail has announced that the historic footbridge at Narborough Station, Leicestershire, is once again open following an £850,000 restoration project.
Back in September 2020, we reported that work was to begin on removing the bridge from the station and transport to a site to carry out all refurbishment work.
Shot blasting cleaned the metalwork of paint and rust, allowing a detailed examination of the remaining metal.
Repairs and replacements to the metal were made, followed by applying new paint with a white and green colour scheme.
While offsite, the remaining steps and structures connected with the bridge at the station were also revamped.
Matching the repainted signal box, the footbridge has been restored to its former glory, fit to take passengers for many more years.
Route Director for Network Rail's East Midlands Route Gary Walsh said: “The refurbished footbridge at Narborough station looks amazing and it's great that passengers, people in the community and visitors to the village can see it in all its glory.”
“Our teams have carried out this work carefully, focussing on every detail to make sure the improvements are in keeping with its Victorian heritage.”
“We completed as much work as possible off-site to keep disruption for people using the station to a minimum and we want to thank passengers for their patience during our work”
Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway Neil Grabham said: “The strengthened footbridge is now fit for purpose for any passengers that visit Narborough station in the future.”
“We worked with Network Rail to ensure that disruption to our passengers was kept to a minimum whilst the works took place and we would like to thank our passengers for their patience during this time.”
Member of Parliament for South Leicestershire Alberto Costa said: “I am delighted to see the new footbridge at Narborough Station now in place. The station is a fantastic asset for the people of South Leicestershire and a crucially important part of our regional infrastructure. Of course, the footbridge is a much-loved part of this historic station, and I should like to thank Network Rail for their excellent work in refurbishing the footbridge and keeping it safe for passengers and constituents for many years to come”.
Chairman of Friends of Narborough Station John Harrison said: “We are delighted with the work recently carried out on the footbridge at Narborough station. The now spectacular appearance of the structure, which is over 100 years old forms an important addition to what is already an attractive and well-loved station.
“The team have done a great job in what were sometimes difficult weather conditions. It was a great pleasure to witness the overnight refitting of the top span, after it was removed from a low loader on the level crossing and then lifted high into the night sky, by use of a massive crane positioned in the main station car park.”
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Perfect for Christmas!
Nice work Network Rail and East Midlands Railway.