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Tuesday 18 Sep 2007

BOW RIVER BRIDGE TO GET MAKEOVER

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

The railway bridge over the River Lea and Bow Creek in East London is getting a £2 million makeover this autumn. Graffiti and rust will disappear when the steelwork is grit-blasted and repainted. This will transform the 120m long bridge which crosses the river between Bromley-by-Bow and West Ham stations. It will be painted a similar green to that of its London Underground counterpart which spans the river only a few feet away. The bridge will also be given a protective treatment to maintain its new condition for years to come. David Wilks, Territory Maintenance Director for the South East said: "We're committed to investing in improving our infrastructure, and that doesn't just mean replacing track or signalling. Maintaining the appearance of our bridges is just as important. The bridge is adjacent to the Three Mills Conservation Area and we recognise the importance of having a well maintained and presentable structure to fit in with the local environment." Network Rail has worked closely with both the British Waterways and Port of London to ensure that the river continues to be open to navigation during the refurbishment. Passage for river traffic has been allowed for in the scaffold design and sequence of works. However there will be some restrictions. Both navigable channels will be reduced to 8m wide. The channel will be demarcated with buoy lines complete with flashing lights. Signage will be placed on upstream and downstream bridges as well as the towpath. Access on the central towpath will be maintained at all times for pedestrians. The refurbishment works are being carried out by Kier Rail on behalf of Network Rail.