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Monday 21 Feb 2005

PROBLEM SOLVED: TROWSE SWINGBRIDGE REOPENS TO RIVER TRAFFIC

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

Trowse swingbridge, which carries the railway over the River Wensum in Norfolk, has today reopened to river traffic after engineers managed to resolve a technical problem with its lowering mechanism.  The hydraulic system that operates the bridge has received a complete overhaul with new oil filters and sensors installed to rectify the ‘bouncing’ effect that had been observed during movements of the bridge.  Test swings carried out in the early hours of Sunday morning were successful and the bridge is due to reopen at its normal scheduled times today. Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail General Manager, said: “The last few weeks have been very frustrating as engineers have worked hard to identify the fault in the intricate hydraulic system which operates the bridge.  We apologise to river users for any inconvenience while the bridge was closed and are pleased to announce it is now back to business as normal.” Taking advantage of the temporary bridge closure, Network Rail installed a new computer system that will be used to direct the bridge movements, replacing a 20-year-old system that was nearing the end of its life.  The new modern system will record every movement made by the bridge, enabling engineers to closely monitor any operating irregularities and more easily identify any future faults for prompt repairs or renewals.  Patrick Hallgate continued: “Network Rail remains committed to investing time and money in this important piece of railway infrastructure, on this increasingly popular railway line.  We hope that we have now seen the end of the problems at Trowse so that river and rail life can quickly get back to its normal routine.” Network Rail has been working closely with the Broads Authority to keep them updated and ensure river users are made aware of the latest situation.  Updates to mariners are available on the Broads Authority website – www.broads-authority.gov.uk.