Media centre

Tuesday 12 Oct 2010

HISTORIC BROADS SWING BRIDGES TO UNDERGO REPAIRS

Region & Route:

| Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

A pair of century-old railway swing bridges on the Norfolk Broads are set for a much-needed revamp this month as Network Rail engineers carry out a £1.6m programme of repairs on the historic structures.

The bridges at Reedham and Somerleyton, which have been swinging open for fixed-mast river craft since 1905, require regular maintenance to keep them in full working order. Despite the best efforts of engineers, Somerleyton is currently only able to swing on a limited number of occasions each week owing to mechanical problems.

From Monday 18th October to Friday 5th November, Network Rail engineers will carry out a major programme of work at Somerleyton which will see the central swing bearing replaced and the wheels which support the bridge as it swings renewed. In addition thorough corrosion surveys will be carried out at both Somerleyton and Reedham bridges to assess the need for future repairs and refurbishment.

Andrew Munden, Network Rail route director for Anglia, said: “Running a twenty-first century railway on Edwardian infrastructure is a challenge but it’s a challenge we are committed to meeting.

“Working closely with the Broads Authority, we’ve been mindful of the need to balance the requirements of boat users and rail passengers in operating and maintaining the swing bridges on the Broads. Although the timing is not ideal for some boat users, I hope they will understand that this work needs to be carried out over the half-term week when the railway is at its quietest.

“I’d like to thank both rail and boat users in advance for their patience while our engineers carry out this important work. We’re hopeful that Somerleyton swing bridge will be returned to full working order in early November.”

To allow engineers to work as quickly and as safely as possible, the line between Reedham and Lowestoft will be closed to trains from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st October, with alterations to services between Norwich and Lowestoft/Great Yarmouth. Norwich to Lowestoft services will be replaced by buses though some trains will run between Norwich and Reedham before being diverted to Great Yarmouth. Buses will run between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.