Media centre

Wednesday 10 Jun 2015

New Tennison Road Bridge opening to the public

Region & Route:

| Southern

On Thursday 11th June the newly constructed £10 million Tennison Road Bridge in South Norwood, Croydon will open to the public.

The new bridge which spans the London Bridge to East Croydon main line, replaces a smaller bridge that had served the area since 1922.  The new bridge is approximately 3.5 metres wider than its predecessor, with bigger footpaths and carriageway, making it safer for users.

Mark Huband, route asset manager for Network Rail, said:

“The old bridge had served the local community for over ninety years, but it had become outdated and needed replacing.  The new bridge will better serve those who use Tennison Road, providing safer access for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”

In December 2014 the new bridge was slowly edged into position, an operation that in the past would have involved a complete closure of the railway. But due to a clever combination of technology and engineering expertise the line was kept open, whilst the bridge was launched over the tracks.

Rory McFadden, project manager for GRAHAM Construction, said: 

 “GRAHAM are delighted to have successfully completed the replacement of the Tennison Road Bridge and associated highway works. Whilst the project was not without its technical challenges these were overcome through innovative engineering solutions and a collaborative and proactive approach by all parties.”

“We would like to thank the local community and supply chain partners for their valued support during the design and construction phase of this project. We trust that the local community and the wider Croydon area will benefit from this wider, stronger and more resilient structure for many decades to come.”

The bridge will be officially opened by children from the nearby Heavers Farm Primary School and Councillor Kathy Bee from Croydon Council.

Councillor Kathy Bee, cabinet member for transport and environment at Croydon Council, which is part-funding the replacement, said:

 “I’m delighted that the council has played a part in delivering this impressive first in rail engineering, and I’d like to thank local people for bearing with disruption caused by the building programme.

“This new and wider bridge will last for decades and make a real difference to everyone who uses Tennison Road.”

The bridge replacement was carried out by contractors Graham Construction. For more information and contact details see www.graham.co.uk/tennisonroadbridge

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Members of the Press are requested to arrive by 0930.
• Please email to confirm attendance: james.banks@networkrail.co.uk 
• Interviews available after the ceremony.
  • Network Rail - Spokesperson TBC ,
  • Croydon Council - Councillor Kathy Bee.
  • Graham Construction - Rory McFadden, Project Manager.
• Pupils from Heavers Farm Primary School
  • Rafaela Stanciu Martinez and Jamie Kasongo
  • Parental permission has been granted.
• Social Media: Please tag the event using #TennisonRd and #NRSouthEast
• Time lapse footage of the Bridge being constructed can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTiBGy-ljO4
• Post code for Tennison Road bridge: SE25 5RY, approach from Selhurst Road.