Network Rail has received listed building consent from both planning authorities, supporting the company’s plans to improve the Grade 1 listed structure over the next three years. Around 300 residents attended Network Rail’s two-day exhibition in Saltash in April to share their feedback for the scheme. A final public exhibition will be held in Plymouth on 13 June at the Plymouth Yacht Club. The scheme is also fully supported by English Heritage. Chris Rayner, route director, Network Rail said: “We are investing in the future of Royal Albert Bridge and we will take every possible steps to engage with residents, protect the environment and preserve our heritage. We are very grateful for the tremendous support from the community, both councils and the English Heritage to help us pursue this plan.”
Graeme Hicks, Cornwall Council cabinet member for Transportation and Highways, said: “This is an historic structure that provides the gateway into Cornwall for millions of people every year. It’s only fitting that such a legendary piece of engineering should be preserved to such high standards and I’m delighted to see this work taking place.” The 151 year-old structure, which carries a busy mainline that is frequently used by around 30 trains each day, will be strengthened, restored and repainted. Network Rail plans to start work on site by the end of the year and will soon be tendering for a contractor to implement the scheme. Corroded elements on the bridge will be repaired and extra efforts will also be taken to restore Brunel's original design, by using special bolts that are similar in design to Victorian rivets.
The Royal Albert bridge will also be re-painted goose grey, which is the colour of the bridge for most of its life since 1911. It is considered to be the most practical and viable long-term solution to help sustain the bridge’s aesthetic for a longer period of time. All the existing paint on the bridge will be completely stripped away, except for two 1m square patches on each bridge portal. These areas will be preserved for posterity.
Steps will be taken to protect the environment while the work is being carried out. For example, the bridge will be encapsulated to prevent dust and/or paint from escaping and a special extraction system will be created to remove any waste materials without contaminating the surrounding areas.
The improvement work will also be carefully planned to be carried out when trains are not running to minimise any disruptions.
Network Rail
A Transport of delight: Easy Court
Uncle Terry: 120- Trapped
Omnibuses: One announcement and one shock changes at First and companies for sale in London
TGP Dads Daily: 162 Water Droplets
No comments:
Post a Comment
Have something interesting to say? Please share it here!
(Moderation is currently switched on so please allow a short while before your comment appears on the site. This is only to cut down on spam - not to cut out people who disagree with me!)