A significant restoration project for Hungerford Bridge will begin soon, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
London: A 161-year-old railway bridge is gearing up for a three-year restoration project. This is all about making sure it stands strong for years to come.
Network Rail is kicking off the refurbishment of Hungerford Bridge, which connects the South Bank to Charing Cross station over the Thames, starting this Saturday.
The bridge is pretty old, with its wrought iron lattice girders dating back to 1864. It’s amazing to think about the history it holds!
David Davidson, who’s the Kent Route director at Network Rail, mentioned that many of Britain’s railway bridges are from the Victorian era. He feels it’s a privilege to take care of this national treasure, but it’s also a bit of a challenge.
He pointed out that some of these structures are really old and can be vulnerable to corrosion and weather damage. So, it’s crucial to keep them in good shape.
During the restoration, engineers will be painting the bridge, testing the truss pins that hold everything together, and refurbishing the original metalwork. Sounds like a big job!
The work will happen in two phases. The first phase will focus on the spans on the South Bank and is expected to wrap up by January 2026. The good news? The bridge will stay open, and trains will keep running during this phase.
After that, the second phase will tackle the remaining spans across the river, starting in January 2026 and going until winter 2028. There will be some weekend closures during this phase, but the exact dates are still to be announced.
It’s exciting to see such a historic structure getting the care it needs. The restoration project for Hungerford Bridge is set to be completed by winter 2028!
