Two new bridges for Norfolk as replacement works complete

Network Rail has completed its work to replace two bridges in Norfolk last weekend, making them stronger and safer than before, to maintain a safe and reliable rail service across Anglia.

Works to replace the bridge at Eccles Heath, which was damaged in a road traffic incident in 2017, began at the end of October last year. The bridge carries the road over the busy Norwich to Thetford rail line between Harling Road and Eccles Road stations and was damaged beyond repair in the incident.

Work to replace the bridge at Postwick, began in November last year and the main deck was craned into place over the Christmas period. The bridge carries the line from Norwich to Yarmouth over Oaks lane and was life expired.

The road at Eccles Heath has reopened after three years being closed but the road at Postwick remains closed for unrelated works further up.

The replacements bring both bridges up to modern safety standards which are necessary in order to continue the safe running of rail services, avoiding the need for speed restrictions that cause delays. Both bridges are expected to last over a hundred years.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director, said: “The work to replace these bridges was absolutely necessary to continue to run a safe and reliable service as well as keeping pedestrians and motorists safe. These two new bridges now meet the modern standards that are necessary on our busy network and are ready to serve their communities.”

Jamie Bules, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “The completion of this work will help us to improve punctuality and performance on our rural lines between Norwich and Cambridge, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. We would like to thank customers for their patience while this work was carried out.

“Government advice at the moment is to stay at home and to only travel for essential reasons such as work, medical appointments and other legally permissible reasons. Our Safer Travel pledge highlights everything we are currently doing to help keep customers safe while travelling with us.”

Photo credit: Network Rail

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