A 161-year old railway bridge is all set for a three year restoration project to secure its future.
Network Rail will begin refurbishment works on Hungerford Bridge, which links the railway over the Thames between the South Bank and Charing Cross station, on Saturday.
The current bridge is held together by spans made of wrought iron lattice girders dating back to 1864.
Hungerford Bridge is held together by spans made of wrought iron lattice girders dating back to 1864 (Picture: Network Rail)
David Davidson, Network Rail’s Kent Route director said: “Many of the bridges on Britain’s railway are from the Victorian era and being responsible for this national heritage is both a privilege and a challenge.
“Some of the structures are very old, so are vulnerable to corrosion and damage from weather.”
The 161-year old railway bridge links the South Bank and Charing Cross station over the Thames (Picture: Network Rail)
Engineers will paint the bridge, test the truss pins – which join together the supports – and refurbish the original metalwork.
The refurbishment work will be carried out in two phases.
The bridge will remain open with trains running throughout the first phase of restoration (Picture: Network Rail)
The first phase, which will focus on the spans on the Southbank and the south side of the river, is due to be completed in January 2026.
The bridge will remain open, with trains running, during the first phase of restoration.
Hungerford Bridge from Victoria Embankment (Picture: Network Rail)
The second phase of the works will take place on the remaining spans across the river from January 2026, to winter 2028.
There will be weekend closures throughout the second phase with the dates yet to be confirmed.
Pictured top: The restoration project for Hungerford Bridge is expected to be complete by winter 2028 (Picture: Network Rail)