This week, the 130-year-old Grade II-listed footbridge at Beverley station will close to ensure the safety of passengers and train drivers until next year when it will be sympathetically refurbished.
Network Rail must close the footbridge urgently to put safety first, with the canopy rotting and antisocial behaviour on the rise.
From Friday 9 September until further notice, the bridge will be closed to prevent pieces of the weakened canopy from falling onto the tracks.
The area has been maintained daily by staff, but this is a temporary solution that cannot be sustained.
A century-old wooden canopy on the bridge is set to be removed following years of wear and tear after being approved by East Riding Council. The original cast iron structure will be fully refurbished by Network Rail by 2023.
A statement from Network Rail’s Route Director for the North & East said;
“I know how important this footbridge is to the heritage of Beverley station and how well-loved it is by passengers. That’s why we want to see it eventually refurbished and, crucially, made safe for people to use and trains to pass beneath.
“Closing the footbridge as soon as we can is the safest option, and it needs to happen. I’m sorry to anybody who is upset or inconvenienced by our decision. I’d like to thank East Riding Council, Historic England and our rail industry partners for their continued support.”
Closing Footbridge Was The Last Resort
After exploring multiple options, Network Rail decided that closing the footbridge would ensure people’s safety while preserving the heritage.
Originally constructed in the 1880s, the wooden canopy was added later. Historic England has approved the plans for a Grade II-listed building. While the National Railway Museum has offered some original features.
Armstrong Way’s level crossing will be used to maintain access between Beverley station’s two platforms. Station staff should be contacted if any assistance is needed, and passengers should allow extra time for platform changes.
Northern Regional Director Tony Baxter stated:
“The safety of our passengers and staff is our number one priority, so we support the closure of the footbridge at this time. Of course, as a local landmark, we look forward to its restoration and re-opening whereby it will continue to serve the rail users of Beverley for many more decades to come.”
