Network Rail have released time-lapse footage of the bridge replacement works recently carried out at the Port of Workington in Cumbria.

The project began at the end of 2020 and will be completed this summer.

The railway line was closed for three days between 1-3 of May to allow the old Siddick Bridge to be demolished and a new bride craned into place.

Part of the Great North Rail project, the bridge replacement is being funded by the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, Cumbria County Council and Network Rail, with work carried out by local firm, Story Contracting.

Work on the replacement started last month, and the new bridge was created from precast concrete sections. There is still some work to complete, and the new bridge requires the road surface to be laid before it is ready for traffic,

A temporary level crossing has been installed to allow traffic to access the Port of Workington while the bridge is finished.

Roisin Nelson, sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This is an exciting milestone for the project and means that rail passengers, freight operators and port users in Workington are one step closer to having a better and more reliable railway bridge. The Great North Rail Project investment will not only secure the future of the railway but will also hugely benefit the Port of Workington and its businesses and customers.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “The engineering work at the Port of Workington is a fantastic example of the work being done by the Great North Rail Project to improve the region’s railways. As an industry we continue to work together to keep disruption to passengers to a minimum.”

Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I’m pleased to see work progressing on site as the current bridge is stifling growth at the port. The replacement road and footbridge will be a huge improvement and is a vital part of the redevelopment of the port, helping to get people and goods where they need to be, as well as boosting transport and connectivity links. By working in partnership with Network Rail, the Port of Workington and local businesses and residents, the project to redevelop this site will benefit the local community for generations to come.”

Steve Curl, board member for transport and infrastructure at the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Cumbria LEP is delighted to have contributed £2 million of Local Growth Funds to this strategically important project. The eagerly-awaited replacement for the old stone bridge and the new footbridge will in turn improve access for vehicles to the Port and enhance pedestrian safety. Better connectivity between the Port , Cumbria and the North’s road network will significantly strengthen the county’s economy.”

Mark Jenkinson, MP for Workington, said: “This is a really exciting time for Oldside and the Port of Workington. This much-needed upgrade dovetails perfectly with our plan to ramp up use of the port, and to open up huge tracts of employment land on Oldside. I would just like to put on record my thanks to Network Rail and Story Contracting for perfect execution of the project, to all of the stakeholders that played their part in making it happen and to my constituents and local businesses for their patience throughout.”

Cllr Mike Johnson, leader of the Allerdale Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see the progress on this project going so well, which is a credit to everyone involved. Completion of this enhanced entrance to the Port of Workington will undoubtedly make the area more attractive to inward investors and is an integral part of our future regeneration plans for Workington.”

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