MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS FOR PLUMSTEAD AS CHURCH MANOR BRIDGE IS REBUILT

Saturday 24 Jan 2004

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS FOR PLUMSTEAD AS CHURCH MANOR BRIDGE IS REBUILT

Region & Route:: | Southern

Network Rail is investing £300,000 rebuilding Church Manor footbridge over the railway line at Plumstead. The work will include the removal of the old bridge, the installation of new foundations and the construction of a new bridge span. Contractors started work on the 23February and the six week long project will replace the life expired footbridge and will provide an improved footpath for pedestrians. The project will be carried out in stages: · Initial work will see the installation of new foundations and preparation of the site for the main reconstruction work at the end of March. · The existing concrete bridge, built circa 1950, will be removed and the new steel style structure will be lifted into place by crane over the weekend of 20th March. During the final stage there will be a closure of the railway on Sunday 21 March 2004. Network Rail has liased closely South Eastern Trains to minimise disruption to passengers and a replacement bus service will be in operation between Deptford station and Slade Green station. Church Manor Bridge– 2 The footpath over the bridge will be closed to pedestrians from 2100 hrs on Friday 19 March to 0700 on Monday 22 March whilst construction work is completed. An alternative route should be sought. Network Rail takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and liaised with the local authority and advised residents prior to the start of the work. The contractors are working to strict guidelines to ensure that disturbance to local residents and the environment are kept to an absolute minimum. Network Rail’s Regional Director Robin Gisby said: “This work forms part of Network Rail’s commitment to rebuild Britain’s railway. We appreciate that some of this project will cause disruption at times but every effort will be made to keep this to an absolute minimum.

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