Heritage Bridges Re-Open To Welcome Passengers Back

Two listed footbridges dating back to the mid 1800s, have re-opened following a 14-month facelift that had to embrace the challenges of Victorian heritage.

Cottingham and Beverley stations in the East Riding of Yorkshire are both located on the Hull Bridlington Seamer line.

Each features a Grade II Victorian cast iron arch rib bridge over the line but, as Partner Jon Livesey explains, the nature and uniqueness of the 19th century NER standard footbridges caught the attention of heritage experts early on as just 12 of their type remain on the rail network.

Assessments of the bridges showed that they needed strengthening to meet modern codes and at Beverley specifically, an enclosed wooden canopy added after the initial 1880 design, put far more load on the original structure.

“However, English Heritage and local people were concerned that something of intrinsic historic value might be lost if it was simply demolished, hence why we put a range of options to both English Heritage and the East Riding of Yorkshire Listed Building Officer, before moving to the next stage.

“This inclusive approach, with everyone trying their hardest to find a workable solution, was great and, I have to say that both parties were excellent, enabling us to reach a compromise and produce an outcome whereby everyone was satisfied.

It was agreed that if as much of the original structure was to be retained, then the best option was to return to the original design, with some minor strengthening, and avoid reinstating the wooden canopy, which is what has now been delivered.

“The original cast iron structure has been strengthened with some unobtrusive bracing and new open parapets mimicking the original installed, along with new hardwood deck timbers, new surfacing and stair treads.

“The new steel parapet posts are taller but remain compliant with modern standards, improving the structure without compromising its heritage”, added Jon.

Following discussions with the Network Rail planning team, the bridge has also been repainted in traditional shades of red and cream, in keeping with the bridges original heritage.

Projects of this nature can be tricky because they are not just about engineering considerations. Once heritage enters the mix, the journey becomes more complex, however, despite the fact that it took some time to come to fruition, I have nothing but praise for everyone involved in these two projects including Network Rail, English Heritage, contractor AmcoGiffen and the East Riding Listed Building Officer, he said.

Rebecca Winter, Senior Asset Engineer at Network Rail, said: I’m delighted that this historic, much-loved bridge has been fully restored and has reopened thanks to the hard work of our engineers.

“The bridge dates back to the 1880s but thanks to its restoration it looks as good today as it did when it was first installed over 130 years ago.”

Kerry Peters, Regional Director at Northern said: I’d like to thank everyone involved in this project. The footbridge is a local landmark and the finished result of the restoration looks fantastic. It will now continue to serve the rail users of Beverley for many more decades to come.”