Three East Anglian swing bridges to get upgrades
Refurbishment set to aid reliability.
EAST Anglia’s three swing bridges are to get mechanical and electrical upgrades which will improve reliability and reduce delays and disruption for boat users.
Located at Oulton Broad, Somerleyton and Reedham, the structures are understood to date from around 1905. The internal components have not been replaced in over 100 years and need frequent and costly maintenance.
Beginning in the autumn, Network Rail’s engineers will be upgrading the internal components for each bridge which includes replacing the winch systems, lighting and hydraulic jacks and pipework – plus installing new power systems.
This work will make the bridges less prone to faults, reducing the need for maintenance and will be able to operate more reliably. The upgrades will bring more reliability, as there have been occasions where the bridges have stuck part or fully open, impacting both rail and boat traffic.
To permit the upgrade work to take place, the Wherry
Line between Reedham and Lowestoft, and the East Suffolk line between Lowestoft and Beccles will be closed on September 24/25, October
8/9, then a 16-day period from October 22 to November 6, and finally on November 20. During the closures, rail replacement bus services will operate.
Network Rail is also working with the Broads Authority to provide short windows of river access for boats during the closure periods.
Network Rail added that the three bridges are an important part of its railway heritage and work to the internal elements of the bridges will be carried out while also maintaining the current look-and-feel and heritage of each bridge.
■ The Wherry Line celebrates its 175th anniversary this year, having opened to goods on May 3, 1847 and passengers on July 1, 1847.