A multi-million-pound railway bridge is to be replacement in Workington in order to benefit passengers and the local economy in Cumbria.
The £4m Great North Rail Project investment will transform the Siddick bridge, making it fit for the future.
The bridge will deliver access for thousands of vehicles which transport 500,000 tonnes of cargo to and from the Port of Workington each year.
Weight restrictions limiting the flow of traffic to just one-way are being implememnted because of the bridge’s current state.
The significant investment will restore traffic in both directions.
The work will include:
- Demolition of the old bridge
- A new pre-cast concrete bridge deck being installed
- A new pedestrian and service bridge built north of the existing bridge
Roisin Nelson, Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This Great North Rail Project investment will not only secure the future of the railway but will also hugely benefit the Port of Workington and its businesses and customers. Siddick bridge will be entirely replaced with a modern structure in a £4m upgrade which will mean more reliable journeys for passengers and freight on the railway below as the new structure will need much less maintenance in the future.”
Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, said: “It’s fantastic to see further investment and enhancement of Cumbria’s rail network. The new bridge will make the infrastructure in Workington fit for the 21st Century and will provide long-lasting benefits for Northern’s customers.”
Cllr Keith Little, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Cumbria County Council, said: “I’m very pleased to see works getting underway to replace the bridge, the new structure secures the future of the port, and will be a vital part of the redevelopment project, helping to get people and goods where they need to be, as well as boosting transport and connectivity links.
“By working in partnership with Network Rail, the Port of Workington, Cumbria LEP and local businesses and residents, the project to redevelop this site will benefit the local community for generations to come.”
Image: Network Rail
