East Anglian swing bridges to be refurbished

Three swing bridges in Norfolk and Suffolk are to have their electrical and mechanical components renewed and refurbished by Network Rail.

Internal components on the bridges at Somerleyton and Reedham on the Norwich-Lowestoft line, and at Oulton Broad on the Lowestoft-Ipswich route, have not been replaced in more than a century. Frequent repairs are required, with NR stating that £100,000 per bridge is spent in maintenance. 

The upgrade, which begins on the Reedham and Somerleyton structures next February, forms part of a £5.5 million programme of work. 

NR will replace the winch system, hydraulic jacks and pipework, and lighting across the bridges, as well as installing a new power system. It’s expected that this will make the bridges easier to maintain for the next 25 years and should save NR a combined £7.5m in future costs.

Read more in RAIL 932