May 2019
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News
Deck of new accessible footbridge installed
T
he deck of a new accessible footbridge at Patchway Station was hoisted into position by a giant crane over the Easter weekend, during a fourday closure of the railway. The previous footbridge needed to be replaced because it had insufficient clearance from the new overhead wires which are being installed as part of the multi-billion pound Great Western Mainline (GWML) electrification programme. The new footbridge will be fully accessible for wheelchair users as it will incorporate lifts at each end, the shafts for which can be seen in the photo. A temporary footbridge was installed at the station last year, allowing it to continue to function while the old bridge was being dismantled and the new one installed. The design of the new bridge has resulted in the loss of one of
Patchway Station
three existing disabled parking spaces at the station. Officers at South Glos Council deemed this to be acceptable as it is “more than offset by the improvements to overall accessibility through the provision of lifts”.
Network Rail has said the new footbridge will be open for passengers “by the summer”. Other work carried out during the Easter closure included the installation of more overhead wires between Patchway and
the Severn Tunnel, along with drainage and wiring work inside the two Patchway tunnels. Further weekend engineering works are planned on the line between June and October. ● More info: bit.ly/nr-south-glos
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