Bridge maintenance

It’s our job to look after the thousands of bridges across our network

Many of the bridges on Britain’s railway are from the Victorian era. Our asset teams monitor all bridges on the network, checking structural aspects,  or in some cases assessing whether they can accommodate new electric trains and those carrying freight. They also carry out repairs as required.

We’re proud to look after some of Britain’s most admired and celebrated structures – but the positive aspects of looking after such iconic, historical landmarks are offset by the challenges they present.

Some of these structures are very old, so are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and often need to be renewed.

What sort of work is carried out?

  • Brickwork repairs
  • Waterproofing
  • Water stain removal
  • Strengthening to allow the bridge to carry heavier and longer trains.
  • Foundation repairs and strengthening where bridges are founded in water
  • For metal bridges, grit-blasting to remove paint and rust
Workers conducting bridge works using an elevated platform

More about Bridge works

Read about some of the work we do in maintaining bridges on the railway.