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Wednesday 15 Nov 2023

130-year-old Beverley station footbridge reopens after refurbishment

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Eastern

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Beverley station’s 130-year-old footbridge has welcomed its first passenger in over 14 months after its refurbishment project has been completed.

Since May 2023, Network Rail engineers have worked to restore the Grade II-listed structure to its former glory. The original cast iron structure has been strengthened and new parapets have been installed, along with new surfacing and stair treads.

The bridge has also been repainted in traditional shades of red and cream, in keeping with the structure’s heritage, and its wooden canopy has been removed after years of wear and tear.

Local rail enthusiast and regular Beverley station passenger, John Edwards, was invited to be the first person to walk over the bridge.

The bridge is a much-loved feature of Beverley station and Network Rail has worked hard to give the bridge a new lease of life and allow it to be used by passengers for years to come.

In September 2022, the bridge had to close on safety grounds to protect the people who used the bridge, as well as train crew and passengers of trains passing below. However, stepped access between the station’s two platforms has now been reinstated following the restoration work.

Rebecca Winter, Senior Asset Engineer at Network Rail, said: “I’m delighted that this historic, much-loved bridge has been fully restored and has reopened thanks to the hard work of our engineers.

“The bridge dates back to the 1880s but thanks to its restoration it looks as good today as it did when it was first installed over 130 years ago.

“I want to thank passengers for their patience while we carried out this work, but now hope that it is used and cared for throughout the years to come.”

Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved in this project. The footbridge is a local landmark and the finished result of the restoration looks fantastic. It will now continue to serve the rail users of Beverley for many more decades to come.”