The Dana footbridge that spans Shrewsbury railway station is to be refurbished by Network Rail at a cost of £30,000.
Work is due to start on the bridge on Monday (28 January) and is expected to take just two weeks. It will include: -
Laying an anti-slip surface along the entire length of the bridge
Replacing rotten parapet panels approximately 26 metres long
Replacing a large number of missing window panels
Repairing or replacing as necessary the steel cross bracing
The finishing touches will be added when the bridge is painted following the conclusion of the initial refurbishment works.
While the work is being carried out, the bridge will remain open but there may be short periods of time when the flow of pedestrians will have to be controlled.
The precise date the enclosed footbridge was constructed is unclear but local records make reference to it in 1848. This would tie in with the Shrewsbury station that was opened to passengers by the Shrewsbury, Oswestry & Chester Junction Railway on 12 October 1848.
Mr Derek Caddy from Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council said:
"The Borough has been in fruitful discussions with Network Rail over this project and is delighted that the current work is being undertaken to improve the area."
Phil Crossland from Shropshire County Council said:
"I hope this will go some way to addressing the concerns of local residents regarding this important pedestrian link to the town centre."
Castlefields Action Team commented that they look forward to discussing new ideas with the Borough Council and Network Rail to further improve the local area.
Councillor Stephen Williams also welcomed the improvement works.
A to Z
