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Monday 3 Sep 2018

South London MP reopens railway bridge after major makeover

Region & Route:

| Southern

Bellingham’s busy railway footbridge was officially reopened today by local MP Ellie Reeves after an extensive makeover.

The bridge, built in 1924, has enjoyed a major refurbishment with workers replacing more than a third of the original steelwork.
Timber steps and decking have been replaced with maintenance-free, glass-reinforced plastic equivalents, which have a lifespan of 50 years, while the entire structure has enjoyed a fresh coat of paint, plus new hand rails and a renewed cycle rail.
Even more importantly, the sold steel sides to the bridge have been replaced with see-through mesh to make the structure brighter and safer.
Ellie Reeves, MP for Lewisham West and Penge, added the finishing touches to the bridge with a final lick of paint today.
She said: "Before its renovation the bridge was falling into a state of disrepair and its solid steel sides led to reports of anti-social behaviour.
"It meant residents were reluctant to use the bridge because of concerns for their safety, but now it's much more accessible.
"It gives Bellingham residents easier access to the local park and river walk where they can walk their dogs, go cycling or use the children’s play area.
"Residents are very happy with the changes and Network Rail and their workers should be congratulated for completing the work with minimal disruption to local residents and rail passengers alike."
Debbie Galligan, a local resident who walks her dog Cassie over the bridge twice a day, praised the restoration project and the efficiency and friendliness of the contractors.
She said: "It's much safer and cleaner now and more user-friendly. The workmen were so friendly and really lovely come rain or shine.
"Now the bridge is all open there are no unexpected surprises when you come round the corner, so as a woman walking alone I feel much safer."
Network Rail and their contractors Dyer and Butler were able to erect a temporary bridge and scaffolding in just one day, piggybacking on an already planned weekend closure for rail maintenance.
The scaffolding meant they were able to completely refurbish the bridge without disrupting train services, stripping down the steelwork in sections so the bridge could remain intact.
Jeff Taylor, contracts manager for Dyer and Butler who led the restoration for Network Rail, said: "It's been a fantastic project to work on. We do many of these renovations which are very difficult and challenging, as we have to manage them in sensitive environments.
"We saw the benefits here immediately once the scaffolding came down and the feedback from the passing public has been very rewarding."
David Line, Network Rail south east’s works delivery manager, added: "We’re delighted to be able to reopen the bridge. Local residents have been fantastic while the work has been going on, and our contractors have done a sterling job with pedestrian access blocked for just two days."