Network Rail launches major renewal of Oxted Viaduct and Eridge footbridge in Sussex
Passengers in Sussex will feel the benefits of a major renewal and refurbishment to Oxted Viaduct and a footbridge replacement in Eridge, a village on the Uckfield branch of the Oxted line.
Oxted viaduct was constructed in 1881 and the bridge carries two railway lines over the A25 road and the River Eden on the line running from South Croydon to Uckfield. Over the next few months, engineers will be blast cleaning and repainting Oxted Viaduct and carrying out extensive repairs to the steelwork.
Eridge station serves the rural district in East Sussex with Southern trains services via the Uckfield Branch of the Oxted Line. The existing staircases and bridge will be replaced with a new modern-designed footbridge.
The platform canopies at Eridge station will also be refurbished, improving the overall passenger experience for passengers commuting to London or visiting the Spa Valley Railway.
Paul Harwood, regional investment director for Network Rail, said: “The Oxted Viaduct is more than 100 years old and like any structure of that age, needs maintenance and servicing.
“Overhauling the viaduct is essential to ensuring we maintain a good level of service for passengers who use this route while the new improved footbridge in Eridge will serve the local community for many years to come.”
Chris Fowler, Customer Services Director for Southern, said: “On behalf of our customers, we welcome this major investment to maintain safe travel and a local landmark long into the future. While we are currently asking people to consider whether they really need to use the train, we thank those who do have to travel for their patience during this vital work.”
To ensure the safe and efficient running of the line at Oxted Viaduct, the railway will need to be closed on:
- Saturday 27th June and Sunday 28th June 2020
- Saturday 4th July and Sunday 5th July 2020
- Sunday 12th July 2020
The project at Eridge station will take place from now until the end of September while work at Oxted Viaduct is likely to run until at least February 2021.
