Longport station's footbridge has been reopened for passengers and local people while work continues to complete its major upgrade.
Since last summer Network Rail and its contractor Story have been carrying out a £1.4m overhaul of the important pedestrian link over the West Coast Main Line. However, delays in the manufacture of some of the key components means the work has taken longer than expected to complete.
It's meant a diversionary walking route between the station's two platforms needed to stay in place for several months. Although the project is not yet complete, from yesterday (13 February) engineers have worked hard to get the railway crossing reopen for station users who've faced the extended inconvenience of the work taking longer than anticipated.
Reopening the footbridge now restores a direct walking route across the station for local people and rail passengers, removing the need for the temporary diversion that has been in place since last year. Patrick Vallely, Network Rail head of buildings and civils, said: “We’re pleased to reopen the footbridge at Longport today so passengers can once again use it while we complete the remaining upgrade work.
“Our work in partnership with Story Contracting to complete the project is continuing as we strive to get the project finished as soon as possible. I'd like to thank people for their patience and for bearing with us while we've been working hard to overcome challenges in the project over recent months.”
The remaining upgrade activity, including the installation of newly manufactured steelwork for the sides of the bridge, balustrades and parapets, will take place over the next several months. The bridge will remain open throughout the remainder of the works unless further safety or construction requirements arise. Train services at Longport station are unaffected.
Passengers can find the latest travel information on the National Rail website.