Network Rail is to refurbish the footbridge at Ravenglass station in Cumbria. The footbridge is a historic structure, having been built in 1849.

Network Rail had planned to repair the footbridge during this autumn, including replacing the timber deck.

However, when its engineers started the work, they found that the footbridge’s condition was worse than they expected. Because of this, they need to carry out a full refurbishment and repair.

Engineers will begin the refurbishment work at the station in February next year. They will remove the entire footbridge and transport it to a repair facility.

They will then fully repaint it and restore it to its appearance in its historic heyday. Engineers will then bring the footbridge back to the station and install it in position again, with its timber deck replaced. They will carry out safety checks before reopening the footbridge to passengers and the public in May 2025.

Because the work is being carried out away from the station, which is on the Cumbrian Coast line, Network Rail does not have to close the line. Trains will continue to run.

However, the footbridge will not be available for use until engineers have fully completed the repair work.

Network Rail has liaised with Cumberland Council and the Lake District Council to ensure that alternative routes are provided for pedestrians. Diversion routes will have signage and safety barriers to enable people to access both while the repair work is being carried.

The station also hosts the Ravenglass and Eskdale Heritage Railway. Access to its platforms will not be affected by the footbridge repair work.

“We are sorry to disrupt passengers and the local community longer than we have planned to. We’re working hard to keep the disruption to a minimum, including taking the bridge off-site to work on it which will be quicker than working on site.”

Chris Pye, Network Rail’s North West Route Infrastructure Director