5th April, 2022
We are pleased to say that the Network Rail project to replace the listed footbridge at St Erth in Cornwall is going ahead and the East Somerset Railway (ESR) should receive the footbridge during 2023.
The ESR volunteer project manager Gary Amos is pictured with Network Rail’s project manager Deborah Elliott at St Erth on 5th April. This was a briefing session for the contractors who were invited to tender for the works to replace the existing footbridge at St Erth with a fully accessible structure, fitted with both stairs and lifts. The work will include the installation of a temporary footbridge to enable access to platforms during the works; and the dismantling of the existing footbridge, which will be transported to Cranmore.
Following the visit, Gary Amos said:
“I had been planning to go to St Erth to inspect the bridge for two years during the off-season and finally made it following delays by Covid and a cancelled trip in February due to the storms. It was a very useful session meeting the tenderers and Network Rail project staff. Their project manager explained about the planning conditions and listed building consent issues and outlined the logistical difficulties with the project at St Erth which the contractors have to take account of in their bid, not least dismantling and delivering the footbridge in as good a condition as possible to Cranmore.
The ESR are fortunate in that the structure has recently been repaired by Network Rail and looks in relatively good condition considering its age, and this should reduce the amount of restoration work needed when the bridge finally comes to Cranmore. Once the tender process is complete, we will start working with Network Rail and their awarded contractor to look at a detailed project schedule for the installation at Cranmore.”