Restoration of listed Victorian railway footbridge in East Yorkshire gets underway

Work has begun on the repair and restoration of Beverley Bridge, a Grade II-listed structure at Beverley Station in East Yorkshire and one of only a handful of its type still in existence.

As part of the work, which commenced yesterday, 30 May, a wooden canopy damaged by rot is being removed to enable engineers to strengthen the original cast iron structure and install new parapets, along with new surfacing and stair treads

Despite objections from Beverley Civic Society and members of the public who wanted it restored, the decision was taken to remove the canopy after Network Rail confirmed there was a "risk of pieces of the weakened canopy falling onto the tracks below".

Repairs will also be carried out to the Victorian station's glass-roofed train shed and platforms, with all the work expected to be finished by November.

Matt Rice, route director of Network Rail, said: "I'm pleased that work is getting under way to fully restore this historic footbridge at Beverley station.

"It is an important piece of history that dates back to the 1880s, so it's vital we refurbish it sympathetically while ensuring it remains safe for passengers."

The footbridge, which has been closed since September due to safety concerns, is thought to have been installed in the 1880s, with the wooden canopy added later. It was among a number of similar bridges installed over North Eastern Railway lines in the late 19th century and is one of just three left on the Hull to Scarborough route.

Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.