Completion of a £1 million Network Rail project to upgrade the footbridge at Welwyn Garden City station is now set to be delayed until the summer – however the bridge will reopen this month.
The delay comes after additional defects were identified and severe weather and social distancing measures impacted progress.
Since November last year, Network Rail has been on site carrying out work to strengthen the footbridge, which links the town centre, the railway station and east Welwyn Garden City.
At the same time, work has been carried out to repair and repaint the lattice work, install new lighting and resurface the walkway.
This work – which was set to be finsihed in spring this year – was progressing well, however over 100 hidden defects were discovered.
While Network Rail says it had carried out extensive invesigations before the work began, the true condition of the bridge could not be seen before the paint and concrete was removed from it.
In order to avoid more disruption to the community, the bridge will reopen on Thursday, June 11.
READ MORE: Do you want to know more about Welwyn Garden City’s footbridge refurbishment?Work to complete minor repairs and paint the lattice work, the completion of the lighting upgrade and the remaining structural work will continue into July.
Paul Rutter, route director for Network Rail’s East Coast Route, said: “We are sorry that the footbridge at Welwyn Garden City station is reopening later than planned as we know how important it is for connecting the town and improving passenger experience at the station.
“We are working as hard as we can to carry out the additional work needed, which will allow the footbridge to open to the public once more.
“This has been a challenging project and we would like to thank all of those impacted for their patience.”
The refurbishment of the footbridge will eventually include the installation of a lift and improved stairs, which will better connect the town.
This phase of the work will be delivered by Wheat Quarter with support from the other partners and will follow in the summer.
The remaining work on the bridge may require some changes to bridge access overnight.
The partners delivering this programme of work will make sure that residents and station users are informed in advance of any changes. Any remaining work will not impact train services.
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