April 2021 will see a Luggage Bridge at Worcester Shrub Hill Station again, thanks to an identical-looking replacement.

Unfortunately, once engineers lifted the bridge out in November 2020, examinations of the original showed it was beyond economical repair, leading to a replica being made.

Work started in October 2019 and was originally planned for completion in May 2020.

Work on constructing the new bridge is in the final stages, with Friday 9th to Sunday 11th of April set to see the new bridge lifted into place.

The station is Grade II listed building, with much work carried out to ensure the new bridge is identical to the old one.

There will be reduced parking capacity on the lifting days, which passengers are advised to take into account. No train services will be affected.

Scheme Project Manager at Network Rail Lawrence James said: “It’s really important for Network Rail to protect and conserve heritage structures on the railway network – like the luggage bridge at Worcester Shrub Hill – which give historic stations a unique charm and character.

“I’d like to thank station users for their patience while we’ve worked hard to upgrade and modernise the bridge, with the potential it can be brought back into use for passengers in the future.”

Head of Stations for West Midlands Railway Brenda Lawrence said: “Worcester Shrub Hill is a much-loved station with a long and proud history which has been serving passengers for more than 170 years.

“The distinctive luggage bridge is a big part of the station’s character and I am pleased Network Rail has been able to keep its identity through this project.

“I thank our customers who usually drive to the station for their patience and understanding that fewer parking spaces will be available over the weekend when this challenging installation is carried out.”

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