Network Rail says it has secured a Victorian-built railway footbridge for passengers in Derbyshire.
The infrastructure manager has completed a four-month project to upgrade Duffield station’s 132-year-old footbridge. Since January, its engineers have invested £900,000 to bring the much-loved railway crossing back to its original splendour.
The footbridge was originally built in 1892, and the main bridge span remains. It then went through a significant modification in 1957 when the original ironwork staircases were replaced with brick.
The latest overhaul started in the New Year and saw Network Rail and contractor Amco Giffen carefully plan the work to cause the least disruption to station users as possible.
Major improvements took place to the structure, including new handrails, stair treads, and cross beams, as well as masonry and drainage upgrades.
All steelwork was then mechanically prepared before being painted in heritage railway colours.
The work will improve the experience of passengers as they travel from the station and offers them a safer way to cross the railway.
Shak Munshi, Network Rail Project Manager, said: “It’s really important for Network Rail to protect and conserve structures on the railway network – and the footbridge at Duffield station is a prime example of a much-loved heritage asset being sensitively brought up to date.
“The vital investment now means the railway crossing will be safer and more reliable for passengers for generations to come. We are delighted with the outcome of this project and hope that both passengers and local residents are as pleased with the end result as we are.
“It has been great to work with principal contractor, Amco Giffen, whose expertise and collaborative efforts were instrumental in the successful completion of this project.”
Dave Meredith, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway said: “We’re delighted that Duffield footbridge has been restored to its former glory. The investment on the bridge changes the look and feel of the station, making it brighter and more inviting for our customers.
“We worked closely with Network Rail and Amco Giffen to keep disruption to a minimum and we would like to thank Duffield railway station customers for their patience whilst the work took place.
Tim Hedley-Jones, Executive Director of The Railway Heritage Trust said: “We were happy to provide a grant to ensure that the footbridge was painted in authentic Midland Railway colours. It contributes to making a smart entrance for visitors to Duffield and the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway”.
You can find out more about some of the conservation work carried out across the railway network at: www.networkrail.co.uk/working-with-railway-heritage.
