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Thursday 24 Jan 2008

FOOTBRIDGE REPLACEMENT IN CHICHESTER

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail started work this week on a £900,000 project to replace Stirling Road footbridge in Chichester and provide pedestrians with an easier and more pleasant route over the railway. The existing bridge span and approach ramps will be removed and replaced with a new structure as part of the work and steel support trestles will be repaired and repainted on site. The footbridge, which was built in the 1930s, is in need of modernisation and the new bridge will be cleaner, brighter and fully Disability Discrimination Act compliant. Stuart Jones, Scheme Project Manager for Network Rail, said: “The structure needs replacing and the new footbridge will provide a range of benefits, including an easier route for wheelchair users. “We will keep disruption from our work to a minimum at all times while carrying out this essential project.” To enable work to take place, the footbridge will be closed from Monday 28 January for a period of 24 weeks, with diversionary routes via Grove Road footbridge, Whyke Road level crossing and Basin Road level crossing. Closures of the approach road to the bridge and the suspension of street parking will also be necessary at certain stages of the project. Network Rail has been working closely with Chichester District Council in planning the project and has written to nearby residents to advise them of the work. A separate scheme to refurbish Whyke Road footbridge in Chichester is scheduled to commence in April.