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Wednesday 21 Apr 2004

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS FOR PLUMSTEAD AS CHURCH MANOR BRIDGE IS REBUILT

Region & Route:

| Southern

            Network Rail has invested £300,000 rebuilding Church Manor footbridge over the railway line at Plumstead.  The work included the removal of the old bridge, the installation of new foundations and the construction of a new bridge span.  Contractors started work on the 23 February and the project replaced the life expired footbridge with an improved structure for pedestrians. Edmund Nuttall Ltd was the main contractor for the work, which took eight 8 weeks to complete. Network Rail has worked closely with South Eastern Trains to keep disruption to passengers to an absolute minimum.             The existing concrete bridge, built circa 1950, was removed and a new steel style structure was lifted into place by crane.                         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 worked to strict guidelines to ensure that wildlife was not disturbed during the work.                          Network Rail’s Regional Director, Robin Gisby said, “This work forms part of Network Rail’s commitment to rebuild Britain’s railway.  A considerable amount of work, money and effort has been put into this scheme and I’m very pleased it has been successful.”