Engineers from Network Rail have now repaired Brunel’s last remaining cast-iron footbridge – straddling his Great Western Railway line to London – which was closed off as part of the decking had collapsed.
This structure – installed in 1865 – is in Bath’s Sydney Gardens.
It’s a listed pedestrian bridge and was due to be removed and renovated as part of Network Rail’s electrification of the Paddington to Bristol (and beyond) line.
Earlier today, a spokesperson from Network Rail told Bath Newseum: “Our contractors, Balfour Beatty, are there undertaking repairs to the timber deck as we speak. There is no perceived risk to trains.
Once repairs have been completed (should be within the next 2-3 hours) BANES Parks Department will be notified and will then be required to remove their tape and railings.”
Tonight, Bath Preservation Trust tweeted: ‘Update from Network Rail – bridge repaired and open – prob caused by vehicle or deliberate vandalism sadly.’
