From Tuesday, 12th April, the next phase in refurbishing the roof of the historic train shed at Bristol Temple Meads station will begin.
Network Rail's team of engineers and its contractors, Taziker, will grit-blast the metal parts of the roof to remove old paint, dirt, and surface contaminants so that it can be repaired, repainted, and re-glazed. Grit-blasting forcibly propels abrasive material against the surface at high pressure.
This work is the latest stage of a complex multi-year project to carefully restore the Grade I listed roof to ensure it remains safe and keeps its character for generations to come. The roof refurbishment is due to be completed in the summer of 2024.
At the same time, all of the station's electrics are being updated to bring the overall power supply, lighting, passenger information, and CCTV systems up to modern-day standards. To support this work, from Monday, 18th April the station's ticket office will be temporarily moved to the former Bonapartes café bar on platform 3 for up to 12 weeks.
Mike Contopoulos, Network Rail project director, said: “We're proud to be preserving Bristol's oldest station for future generations as part of the Bristol Rail Regeneration programme, transforming Temple Meads into a world-class transport hub.
“Our work to renovate the Grade I listed roof will mean that this icon of our city will be protected and maintained for decades to come while creating a more welcoming environment for passengers.
“Our specialist team will begin grit-blasting the steel parts of the roof in April, stripping it to bare metal so that we can carry out repairs and apply protective paint. We'll be doing this in phases throughout the summer, encapsulating each section to make sure that no dust or other material reaches the platforms. To minimise the impact on passengers, grit-blasting will take place overnight and noise levels will be monitored.
“Once completed, Bristol Rail Regeneration – of which the roof refurbishment is only one part – will provide numerous benefits for our passengers, building on Bristol's strengths as a world class city and creating a transport hub fit for the 21st century.”
Taziker managing director – infrastructure, Neil Harrison, said: “We have overcome significant challenges to get to this stage of the project which is only possible through the hard work and dedication of the whole project team.
“Our collaborative relationship with the Network Rail and the station management team is key to the success of delivering this project and we have created great relationships throughout the project to ensure we are working together to successfully hit our milestones.
“We're really proud to be playing a part in the Bristol Rail Regeneration programme and have been supporting community initiatives by installing cycle racks in local schools and joining Caring in Bristol's new partnership programme, Caring Corporates, to support people experiencing homelessness in Bristol.
“Our next challenge is the grit blasting stage but we're prepared and fully equipped, with experts in this specialism ready to commence work.”
To find out more about the Bristol Rail Regeneration programme, click here.
I hope the job does not overrun. The station is really dreary and inconvenient right now
Bristol Temple Meads station is a wonderful station steeped in history.