The footbridge is nearing the end of its operational life and requires significant maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality. Inspections have revealed deterioration in several components, including concrete defects, cracking, and corrosion. The planned refurbishment aims to address these issues and prolong the structure's lifespan.
The project's commencement, initially scheduled for 19 October 2026, has been subject to change pending external approvals and railway-related requirements. The bridge is anticipated to be closed until around April 2027 while the refurbishment is carried out.
The start of the refurbishment was delayed from summer 2026 following ecological assessments that necessitated further surveys and measures for protected species, including considerations for the bird nesting season. Consequently, the programme was revised to accommodate these ecological requirements before main construction works could begin.
The extensive nature of the maintenance project, involving structural repairs, component replacements, corrosion treatment, repainting, and coordination with Network Rail, contributes to its multi-month duration. Some tasks are dependent on railway possessions, specialist contractors, and weather conditions, influencing the programme's development for safe and efficient execution.
While opportunities to shorten the project timeline have been reviewed and will continue to be explored, factors such as railway access, safety protocols, specialist construction needs, and external approvals significantly limit the potential for acceleration. Key risks identified include the discovery of more extensive deterioration during repairs, approval requirements from Network Rail and Southern Gas Networks (SGN), availability of railway possessions, utility constraints, and potential delays from external interfaces.
