Media centre

Friday 24 Nov 2017

Christmas comes early for Sellafield passengers with £1m new bridge

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

Passengers in Sellafield have got an early Christmas present after a £995,000 new footbridge and improved lighting were unveiled at the station.

Despite its remote location, Sellafield station, on the scenic Cumbrian coast line, serves as the primary stop for the nearby power station.

The existing footbridge has suffered from high levels of corrosion and despite a regular maintenance regime, its coastal location and exposure to the elements meant the structure continued to deteriorate.

As part of the Great North Rail Project, Team Orange started work on 21 August this year and completed the bridge this week without having to close the station or disrupt trains.

Joanna Fielding, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “This upgrade, part of the Great North Rail Project, will mean passengers continue to have safe access to trains at Sellafield station. The bridge looks fantastic and, coupled with the new lighting, has given the station a real boost in time for Christmas.

“Work to replace the footbridge was carefully planned to not disrupt trains and passengers and the new bridge will serve the station and passengers for decades to come.”  

For more information on the Great North Rail Project visit www.networkrail.co.uk/gnrp.