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Wednesday 24 Feb 2021

Historic station luggage bridge gets identical replica replacement

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: Central

An historic luggage bridge which was removed from Worcester Shrub Hill station last year will soon be replaced with an identical-looking replica built with stronger modern materials.

Network Rail is rebuilding the structure after the Grade II listed station's disused luggage bridge between platform 1 and 2 had fallen into disrepair.

It was not until it was lifted out by crane in November 2020 that engineers discovered the original ironwork was too corroded to restore.

Working closely with conservation experts, an identical-looking bridge has been made with modern materials so the replacement is robust and secure for many years to come. 

Lawrence James, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: “It’s really important for Network Rail to protect and conserve heritage structures on the railway network - like the luggage bridge at Worcester Shrub Hill - which give historic stations a unique charm and character.

“I’d like to thank station users for their patience while we’ve worked hard to upgrade and modernise the bridge, with the potential it can be brought back into use for passengers in the future.”

Although the new bridge will not initially be available for passenger use, it could one day be brought back into normal use should future funding be secured to install lifts in the structure.

Brenda Lawrence, head of stations for West Midlands Railway, said: “Worcester Shrub Hill is a much-loved station with a long and proud history which has been serving passengers for more than 170 years.

“The distinctive luggage bridge is a big part of the station’s character and I am pleased Network Rail has been able to keep its identity through this project.

“I thank our customers who usually drive to the station for their patience and understanding that fewer parking spaces will be available over the weekend when this challenging installation is carried out.”

Between Friday 9 and Sunday 11 April, the crane needed to lift the structure will take up a section of the car park, meaning fewer parking spaces will be available for passengers.

Motorists planning on using Worcester Shrub Hill station over this weekend are being urged to make alternative car parking arrangements.

Trains will not be disrupted while the bridge installation takes place.