Media centre

Monday 3 Nov 2003

TURNEY ROAD BRIDGE RECEIVES £350,000 FACE LIFT

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail, The Railway Heritage Trust and Southwark Council have successfully completed a £350,000 scheme to restore a traditional, Victorian steel and cast iron bridge at Turney Road, Dulwich.             The structure was completely refurbished and a cast iron parapet (protective wall) that was removed in the 1960s following a bridge strike, was reinstated, restoring the bridge to its original condition.             Built circa 1863, the bridge has been carefully restored and repainted, with particular attention paid to the ornate cast iron work. The initials ‘AC’ and the Dulwich College Crest have been picked out to complement the paint scheme.             Additional work was carried out to install pigeon proofing and lighting beneath the bridge to improve safety and security. Further safety work was completed with the installation of islands surrounding the cast iron columns to provide long-term protection against vehicle collision. The islands have been enhanced with small planting areas to complement the adjacent green spaces and flower displays of Dulwich Village.             Edmund Nuttall Ltd was the main contractor for the work, which took 10 months to complete with the Railway Heritage Trust contributing £27k and Southwark Council £3k to the overall cost.             The work was specifically programmed to take place during the night and at weekends to ensure that peak commuter travel periods remained unaffected. Network Rail and its contractors worked hard to ensure that passengers and residents were notified well in advance.             This work forms part of a significant investment by Network Rail in Dulwich, who recently invested an additional £350,000 strengthening Alleyn Park Road Bridge.             Network Rail’s Regional Director, Robin Gisby said, “Maintaining the railway’s heritage throughout the network is extremely important, therefore I am delighted that Network Rail was able to contribute to the restoration of this heritage structure. A considerable amount of work, money and effort has been put into the refurbishment scheme and I’m very pleased it has been so successful. We would like to thank the local community for their patience and co-operation whilst work was being carried out”.             Jim Cornell, Executive Director for the Railway Heritage Trust, said; “The restoration of this 1863 bridge, built by the London, Chatham and Dover Railway, has been carried out with great care and attention to detail, thus respecting its historical importance. The Trust is pleased to have been involved in a partnership approach to conserving another element of the nation's railway heritage.” Des Waters, Head of Street Scene at Southwark Council said; “Southwark Council is delighted to have been involved in this fascinating project to restore Turney Road Bridge – one of the jewels in Southwark’s architectural crown – back to its former glory and we are happy that the views and concerns of local residents expressed to the Council about the work were listened to by Network Rail.”