swing bridges on the Broads opening soon.
Progress on Broads swing bridges
Urgent efforts are being made by the Broads Authority and Network Rail to get two swing bridges on the Broads opening again as soon as possible. At Somerleyton, exploratory work over the weekend found that the bridge’s pivot mechanism is damaged and unable to open – meaning boats with fixed masts and large motor boats are currently unable to pass through. The unique design of the bridge means a replacement part has to be custom made before fitting and testing can be carried out. Network Rail engineers also continue to work on Trowse bridge on the river Yare in Norwich, which has been unable to be opened mechanically since the computer-controlled lifting system suffered a catastrophic failure following a power surge in June 2008. The bridge can only be opened manually at night, between 1.30am and 4am, with a week’s notice as it takes two hours to operate with a full crew. Network Rail has invested heavily in Trowse bridge during its mechanical closure, spending £65,000 on replacing computers, including a back up computer system in the event of future failures, £80,000 on new software and £30,000 on replacing or refurbishing hydraulic valves. Engineers are hopeful that the bridge will be fully operational in the near future. Trudi Wakelin, Director of Waterways for the Broads Authority, said: “We are in contact with Network Rail on a daily basis regarding the state of all the swing bridges on the Broads and they are committed to getting the bridges working as soon as possible. We are pushing hard for a legal agreement between the Broads Authority and Network Rail whereby Network Rail would give an undertaking to complete the works to an agreed timetable.” Andrew Munden, Network Rail route director for Anglia, said: “Network Rail appreciates the importance of these bridges, both to the safe and efficient operation of the railway and to those who regularly use the waterways for work and pleasure. We have worked closely with the Broads Authority to keep them up to speed on the situation at Trowse and Somerleyton and both organisations have benefited from a newly agreed protocol, ensuring that information is shared more effectively and engineers and officers from both sides work together more closely. “Network Rail apologises for the delay in returning the bridges to full operation. Operating a twenty-first century railway on Edwardian infrastructure is undoubtedly a challenge but we will continue working until we have resolved all of the issues.” In recognition of the disruption caused to boat users, Network Rail has agreed to fund a mooring pontoon upstream of Somerleyton bridge where yachts can lower their masts safely and which would also provide a lunch stop for boaters out for the day. The Broads Authority and Network Rail will meet again on June 8th for an update on the situation at both bridges. In the meantime, close contact between railway engineers and waterways officers will continue to ensure any urgent issues are addressed.
