Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 18 February 2021

PASSENGERS are now able to use Narborough Railway Station’s footbridge once again after it has been re-opened by Network Rail, following major renovation works.

The £850,000 renovation works to the footbridge began in September 2020 and seen the main bridge span removed and completely renovated before it was put back into place again.

As a part of the renovation works, the bridge was strengthened so that it is still fit for passengers to use for years to come, and it has even been painted in new colours to look more appealing to railway station users.

Whilst the bridge was away from the station, those renovating it had to grit blast away the old paint, so that they were able to go through with detailed inspections, carry out ‘vital’ repair works to the metal, and replace any cast iron which needed replacing.

During this time, repairs were carried out at the railway station to repair and fix the seven flights of stairs that connect to the footbridge, commonly used by commuters.

The bridge was put back in place at Narborough Station once again back in November 2020, after three months of renovation works.

As the blue and orange paint was stripped off, the decision was made to fully repaint it once again in a brand new green and white colour scheme, using heritage colours, to match the recently painted signal box.

Improved surfacing has been installed across the bridge which will help residents and railway users using the station.

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “The strengthened footbridge is now fit for purpose for any passengers that visit Narborough station in the future.

“We worked with Network Rail to ensure that disruption to our passengers was kept to a minimum whilst the works took place and we would like to thank our passengers for their patience during this time.”

Alberto Costa, Member of Parliament for South Leicestershire, said: “I am delighted to see the new footbridge at Narborough Station now in place.

“The station is a fantastic asset for the people of South Leicestershire and a crucially important part of our regional infrastructure.

“Of course, the footbridge is a much-loved part of this historic station, and I should like to thank Network Rail for their excellent work in refurbishing the footbridge and keeping it safe for passengers and constituents for many years to come”.

John Harrison, Chairman of Friends of Narborough Station, said: “We are delighted with the work recently carried out on the footbridge at Narborough station.

“The now spectacular appearance of the structure, which is over 100 years old forms an important addition to what is already an attractive and well-loved station.

“The team have done a great job in what were sometimes difficult weather conditions.

“It was a great pleasure to witness the overnight refitting of the top span, after it was removed from a low loader on the level crossing and then lifted high into the night sky, by use of a massive crane positioned in the main station car park.”