Network Rail has announced that major work to refurbish the Grade II listed footbridge at Prudhoe railway station will begin next week.
From Monday, 8 June, Network Rail will begin work on a £290,000 investment to refurbish the footbridge, including work to strengthen the bridge, as well as cleaning and repainting it. This work will not take place at the station, instead, the footbridge will be lifted out in sections and the upgrades will take place off-site. The newly refurbished bridge will then be reinstalled at the station.
As the footbridge is listed, all of the work will be carried out in a way which preserves its heritage. Once complete, the project will restore the footbridge to its former glory, enhance the look and feel of the station and improve passenger experience.
To allow the work to take place safely, the footbridge will need to close from Monday, 8 June. The project is planned to take three months, with the footbridge set to reopen in early September. Whilst the footbridge is closed, access to both platforms at Prudhoe railway station will be available via the pedestrian footpath over the level crossing.
The work to upgrade the footbridge is being carried out in line with the latest Public Health England Guidance in relation to Covid-19. Passengers are reminded to continue to follow the Government’s advice on public transport use and to avoid using it where possible. Those who must travel by railway are urged to follow the guidance on social distancing, carry hand sanitiser and wear a face covering if possible.
Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast Route, said: “The work we are doing at Prudhoe railway station will make sure that this historic footbridge can be enjoyed for generations to come.
“The project does mean there will be temporary changes in how people move around the station, and we’re sorry for any disruption which this causes.
“We’d like to thank all those impacted for their patience whilst we work to restore the bridge and give it some much needed TLC.”
Guy Opperman, MP for Hexham, said: “I am delighted that the local community in Prudhoe will benefit from this further investment in the station. I am committed to seeing continued improvements along the Tyne Valley line and this work at Prudhoe station to refurbish the footbridge is really good news.”
Tony Baxter, Regional Director at Northern, said: “It’s great to see such a vital part of the history of Prudhoe railway station being restored to its former glory. Not only will the work being carried out by Network Rail give the bridge a new lease of life, it will also give our customers a safe and secure way of access all parts of the station for many years.”
County Cllr Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, said: “I am delighted with the planned major investment to Prudhoe station, not only will it benefit the local passengers but also support our plans for improving the tourism offer for the whole area.”
Photo credit: Network Rail
