Wickford railway bridge set for repairs
A councillor has revealed works are set to take place
An Essex railway bridge that’s become “a fairly big problem” is set to see repairs, a councillor has revealed.
Works are set to take place on the bridge between Salcott Crescent and Russell Garden, Wickford, in this financial year. Councillors and residents have raised concerns about no lighting, slippery and uneven paths on the “important route” to school and work for “many people.”
The works have been delayed due to concerns about the electric cables and impact of the works on the trains, according to councillors. Residents and councillors are “pleased” the works will “finally” take place.
Councillor Malcolm Buckley, said: “There’s been an issue with the lighting for some while and there’s been issues with the surface of the footway on the bridge. Lights haven’t been working so it’s a fairly big problem with them. People are complaining about the footway being slippery and uneven in places. The biggest issue is the time it’s taken to get it sorted, which is due to the trains and electric cables. With the high voltage they can’t have people working on the bridge while the powers on.”
An email from Essex County Council to councillors states the council is aware of the “issues” on this footbridge and the design work for a “full refurbishment” of the footbridge is currently being planned in this financial year. The county council and Network Rail were unable to comment on the works.
Rachel Connor, 33, said: “The bridge is in a bad state and needs to be refurbished very soon. This is an important walkway and part of the town, it’s a big part of many people’s commutes or journeys. Everyone moans and talks about it. It is a big worry as it’s so dark and trip hazard too.”