Media centre

Thursday 6 May 2004

NETWORK RAIL INVESTS £150,000 TO STRENGTHEN CATFORD RAIL BRIDGE

Region & Route:

| Southern

As part of its commitment to rebuild the railway, Network Rail has invested £150,000 carrying out strengthening and stabilisation work to Recreation Ground Bridge, Ladywell Park, Catford. A routine inspection of the bridge showed that the bridge abutments had deteriorated and major structural strengthening and stabilisation work was required. The original Victorian structure partially reconstructed around 1952 has seen maintenance work carried out regularly, most recently in 2000.  The work began in March and was completed on time and to budget. The project included major work to the bridge abutments through the installation of piles and anchors to stabilise both the ground and the structure.  Network Rail takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and liaised with the local authority and landowner prior to the start of the work. The contractors worked to strict guidelines to ensure that wildlife was not disturbed during the work.  Train services were unaffected during the construction work as no line closure was required. Network Rail’s Regional Director, Robin Gisby said: “The improvement and strengthening work to this bridge are part of Network Rail’s commitment to providing a safe and reliable rail network through the maintenance of our railway structures.”