Media centre

Friday 24 Jun 2005

HOORAY FOR HEYFORD AS NEW FOOTBRIDGE OPENS

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

| Southern

Over half a million pounds has been invested in the upgrade and renewal of a pedestrian footbridge at Heyford station, on the railway line between London Paddington and Banbury. The original steel lattice footbridge at the station had been in place since 1911 but became weakened by corrosion. It has now been completely replaced with a new modern design of footbridge which has a life-span of 120 years. Robbie Burns, Network Rail Route Director, said: “Network Rail is committed to investing in its assets to ensure the safety and reliability of the country’s railway. The existing footbridge at Heyford was nearing the end of its shelf life and needed to be replaced.  This substantial investment means that rail users and pedestrians will continue to benefit from a bridge over the railway for years to come.” The new bridge was constructed in three sections and transported to Heyford on a series of trucks.  A 180-tonne crane was used to lift out the old footbridge and lift in the new structure – firstly the support columns, then the stairs and lastly the main span.  Finally, extensive repair work was made to a large section of the stone wall and steps on the station platform which lead up to a canal bridge, running parallel to the footbridge. Robbie Burns added: “The wall and steps that we repaired lead down from a listed canal bridge owned by British Waterways, so we took guidance from English Heritage to ensure any changes made were in-keeping with the surroundings.  We used nearly seven tonnes of local stone to rebuild part of the wall and steps on the station, mostly sourced from a local quarry near Banbury.” The final stage of the work was completed overnight on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June, when lighting columns were fitted to illuminate the new footbridge.