Work on a major railway bridge in St Helens, Merseyside has been completed by Network Rail.

The railway bridge runs over the Rainford Bypass (A570) and has been refurbished with a £1.4m investment as part of the Great North Rail Project.

A number of road closures were needed to carry out the work which took a little longer than planned due to damage to the waterproofing material which protects the bridge structure.

As well as work to the waterproofing of the bridge deck, the steelwork of the bridge received attention and the railway track over the bridge itself was replaced.

Nathaly Oshodin, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “I’d like to thank residents and road users for their patience while we undertook this major upgrade to the railway bridge over the Rainford Bypass.”

“The Great North Rail Project investment will secure the bridge’s future for road users below and improve the reliability of rail journeys for rail passengers above.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “The essential repairs to the railway bridge over the Rainford Bypass carried out by Network Rail will provide our customers with a more reliable railway for many years.”

“We are proud to be part of a partnership which is working to improve train services in the North for everyone.”

Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North, said: “I would like to thank Network Rail for undertaking repair work on the bridge, which will ensure it is safe for railway passengers and motorists using the bypass below.”

“I have appreciated Network Rail’s engagement with me, the community in Rainford and local commuters to keep us updated and minimise disruption.”

Where Next?

RAILADVENT PLUS
Support the website and get member benefits in return
RAILADVENT NEWS
The latest railway news
RAILADVENT SHOP
Railway Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s, books and more
LOCOSTOP COMMUNITY
Come and share your railway pictures
UK STEAM INFO
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
NETWORK RAIL
Visit their website