New lease of life for historic bridge

A landmark historic footbridge is about to be refurbished by Network Rail.

The St John’s Road Footbridge in Spalding is a Grade II listed building, and will be undergoing repairs in the new year.
A new deck is to be installed made from timber, rather than a composite material which was originally suggested by the owner.
“On that basis, the deck is to be replaced with Accoya timber with an anti-slip covering applied,” says a design and access statement which accompanies the application to South Holland District Council.
The bridge was erected around 1860 for the Great Northern Railway Co and is a very rare example.
It has an unusual wrought iron construction creating a lattice-work.
The bridge has two square towers along with five arches of similar design spanning the railway tracks.
“This is a very rare and large scale example of a railway footbridge built of an unusual wrought iron construction,” the application states.
“In this case the works are essential to address the areas that are currently understrength and suffering from corrosion as well as replacing rotten timber decking. The paintwork of the structure is also in need of upgrading, which will once more ensure the footbridge appears more aesthetically pleasing within the locality.
“The works will ensure the footbridge can remain in use for many years to come, a clear public benefit which weighs in favour of the scheme,” the document adds.