Work has got underway on the 23rd of May for the footbridge that connects Durham Road in Langdon and Mandeville Way in Laindon Hills, Basildon.

The Varde Bullers footbridge allows passengers to cross over the rail line between London and Fenchurch Street and was first closed back in October 2020 as inspections carried out by Network Rail revealed that its condition was deteriorating quickly and was no longer safe for use as local geology and the age of the bridge have caused it to move and fracture.

Shortly after the closure of the bridge, emergency remedial work was completed with permanent repairs required in order for it to reopen safely once again.

The complex repair works are anticipated to take eight weeks to complete with the bridge set to reopen during the summer period. The rail line will not be affected whilst the work is underway.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “This bridge has been closed for much longer than anyone wanted or expected, for which we’re sorry. The condition of the bridge means complex repairs are required and these types of repairs take time to plan and complete.

“I am pleased to be able to say that the work has started today and this will enable us to reopen the bridge in the summer. I’d like to thank residents for their patience while we carry out these repairs.”