Spa Valley Railway in Kent is asking for donations as it needs to replace a major bridge on the line which is approaching the end of its life.

The Broom Lane Bridge dates back to the 1890s.

It has corrosion on its primary girder flanges, particularly on the web flange angles.

Although this is to be expected at this age, it does present problems.

Replacing the Bridge

The Railway, which will be running numerous events this year, is currently dealing with the situation by regularly inspecting the bridge and imposing a speed restriction.

It is also applying an enhanced monitoring regime, and it has recently undertaken load testing to demonstrate the bridge’s continued availability for rail traffic.

However, these are temporary measures, and the Railway needs to take further action before the corrosion spreads.

There were two options. The Railway could repair the corroding metalwork on the bridge or replace it with a brand-new one.

After considering the details of each option, the Railway decided that replacing the bridge was the better option.

The replacement of Broom Lane Bridge will take place in three phases:

In Phase 1, the replacement bridge will be designed. This will cost around £30,000. The Railway has engaged a company specialising in bridge design, construction, and installation to start work immediately. It hopes that this phase will be completed in the first quarter of this year.

In Phase 2, the new bridge will be constructed and painted. This work will cost around £70,000. It will begin once the design is certified.

In phase 3, the old bridge will be removed, and the new one will be installed. The estimated cost of this is over £200,000.

Supporters can make an online donation to the Broom Lane Bridge appeal.

Stride the Line!

The Broom Lane Bridge Appeal needs to raise £300,000. Its first fundraising event is a sponsored walk called Stride the Line!

Sponsored participants will walk through the beautiful High Weald countryside on Sunday 2 February 2025. The walk will take in parts of the Spa Valley Railway that are not usually open to the public. 

Walkers will meet at 8:30am at Tunbridge Wells West station. An hour later, they will set for Birchden Junction. They will then turn around at the Junction to return to Groombridge.

When all walkers have arrived at the finished, a special train will take them back to the starting point.

The Railway will offer tea, coffee and snacks at each end of the line.

To support the sponsored walk, visit the Stride the Line page of the Spa Valley Railway’s website.

“While repairing the affected areas is possible, it would only temporarily extend the bridge’s life and potentially cost the same, if not more, than constructing a new one.

“We won’t be able to do it without financial support, and we are appealing to anyone who could help ensure we can complete this enormous project and replace the bridge in 2025.

“We know a bridge isn’t glamorous, but without it, we might be unable to run trains over the entire length of our railway. We would be extremely grateful to anyone who can donate to our appeal or participate in our fundraising activities including the Stride the Line event on 2 February 2025.”

Jonnie Pay, General Manager, Spa Valley Railway