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Monday 3 Nov 2014

Major refurbishment to key York rail bridge gets underway

Region & Route:

The most significant work to the Scarborough rail bridge in York for 140 years will start in November.

The £6m investment is the most significant since the bridge was built in 1875 and, once complete, will mean that the bridge is fit for another 120 years’ service. Work will involve replacing bridge decks, track and installing a new walkway to improve safety for railway workers.

The site compound will be set up in Marygate car park from November. The project is due to complete in March 2015.

Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: “The Scarborough Bridge has given good service for 140 years but is now due for refurbishment. Once these improvements are complete, many parts of the bridge will not need any further work for decades. We will have people working on site every day to get this work finished.

“This is a complex project as the bridge spans the River Ouse and is in the middle of a residential area with narrow streets as well as being close to several important rail lines. We have worked very closely with the City of York Council and First TransPennine Express to minimise the impact of the work on both local residents and the travelling public. I thank them for their patience while we undertake these essential works.”

When the bridge’s decks are replaced in February 2015, trains will not be able to run over the bridge. The new decks will be installed from Marygate car park using a large crawler crane.

This is being carefully managed between Network Rail and First TransPennine Express, and buses will replace trains between York and Scarborough from 14 to 22 February 2015; during the school half-term holidays. More detailed information will be issued over the coming weeks.

Anna-Jane Hunter, from First TransPennine Express, said: “We are working with Network Rail to minimise the disruption caused by the improvement works and put in place the best possible journey options for customers.

"Express coaches will replace rail services between York and Scarborough and we will shortly be issuing updated timetables and customer information posters.

"We would advise customers to check before they travel and allow extra time to complete their journey. Full details of the improvements works and alternative arrangements will be available from National Rail Enquiries."

As part of the work, it will be necessary to remove some trees and vegetation from the railway embankment immediately north east of the bridge, but these will be replaced with a replanting scheme after the work finishes in the spring of 2015. A full ecological study has been carried out.

Network Rail has planned this work closely with the Canal and Rivers Trust, Natural England and Environment Agency, securing the necessary permissions. This is because the River Ouse will need to be closed to river traffic for certain times while the works are undertaken.

The footpath under the bridge and footbridge which is attached to the rail bridge will need to be closed at various times next February for safety purposes. This will be kept to a minimum.

Network Rail’s 24-hour, helpline is available for anyone to report any issues with the rail infrastructures on 08457 11 41 41.