New single-span footbridge crossing main line at Kidderminster is replaced
THE footbridge crossing the Kidderminster to Worcester main line and Severn Valley Railway immediately outside Kidderminster station was finally replaced at about 5am on Sunday, October 16.
The bridge was originally in two sections. Both spans were removed in February, and the central pillar was demolished.
The new single-span bridge was due to be lifted into place over the weekend of October 9, but problems with paperwork regarding a police escort meant a delay of a week, and only the two end steps were delivered. The bridge was eventually delivered on the October 14.
The smoke plates mounted on the underside over the SVR lines had to be fitted afterwards because the bolts did not line up.
Made from weathering steel, it has a rust-coloured finish that is now common on Network Rail bridges. The protective finish should never need painting.
Network Rail was responsible for the funding of the footbridge.