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
We know these works can impact people who live near the railway by affecting traffic, noise, and construction. We do our best to minimise these disruptions for our lineside neighbours when carrying out work.
Why do we do this work?
We perform maintenance and repair work on bridges to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the railway network. Many of these structures are old and require regular inspections and repairs to prevent potential failures, allowing trains to travel safely and efficiently over obstacles like rivers and roads. This includes strengthening bridges to accommodate heavier trains and addressing potential issues caused by weather conditions or wear and tear over time.
Bridge replacement
Replacing bridges allows trains to run more frequently, safely and reliably well into the future.
Bridges on our network – many of which were built during the Victorian era – can reach the point where major works are needed.
It’s known as the end of their ‘design life.’ This means that they have to be replaced to continue to provide a safe and reliable railway for passengers.
New railway bridge installed over the River Lea Navigation in Tottenham
What sort of work is carried out?
- Replacement of the bridge ‘deck’ (the structure usually including the road or rails)
- Original metalwork retained and refurbished where relevant and possible
- Preparations or installation of overhead line equipment to allow electrified trains to use the new bridge
- Building a stronger, more modern structure to allow the bridge to carry heavier and longer trains
- Improved resilience to strikes from vehicles
More about Bridge works
Read about some of the work we do in maintaining bridges on the railway.