A SOMERSET railway station will be getting a 'new' railway footbridge after works have been noted to finish before 2025.
This news follows the confirmation that a bridge deck and temporary staircases for Network Rail’s new accessible footbridge at St Erth have been successfully installed.
The work, by Network Rail’s contractor, BAM Nuttall, took place over several weekends after trains had stopped running, meaning there was no disruption for passengers.
It’s the second major stage of work after two lift shafts and steel to support the deck and staircases were installed back in July.
The next stage will see two permanent staircases lifted into place.
To create space for them, the existing footbridge was carefully dismantled and will be rebuilt at Cranmore station on the East Somerset heritage railway.
At present, temporary staircases are in place to allow passengers to use the footbridge.
Work will then continue to complete the lifts at the Grade II-listed station, built in 1852.
Gary Amos, volunteer project manager at East Somerset Railway, said: “We are delighted that the old bridge has been successfully dismantled, and look forward to giving this iconic structure its new lease of life at the East Somerset Railway.
"Work is already underway to establish new foundations for the bridge at Cranmore and we hope to complete refurbishing the structure and re-erect the bridge by the end of 2025.
"This will make a significant improvement to our visitor experience at Cranmore Station by giving access to our recently completed second platform."
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