Installation of new railway footbridge delayed

The new footbridge will be the first of its type when it is installed at Stowmarket station

Plans to construct a new footbridge at a railway station have been delayed.

Greater Anglia previously announced a £5.5m project to install a bridge at Stowmarket, Suffolk.

The bridge's modular structure, which features inbuilt lifts, was expected to be completed this summer.

However, Greater Anglia said it would now open before the end of the year because of "unforeseen delays in the manufacturing process".

The footbridge will be built of stainless steel and have lifts built into it

"This footbridge is the first of its kind and due to unforeseen delays in the manufacturing process for the lifts, the final installation of the footbridge has unfortunately been delayed," Greater Anglia said.

"As the footbridge can only be installed during a weekend in which there are engineering works on the route between Norwich and Ipswich, the footbridge will be installed at the next available opportunity which is in November.

"The installation will be followed by a short period of on-site testing, and the footbridge is now expected to open before the end of 2025."

The new bridge will be built of stainless steel which is long lasting and does not need to be painted.

Greater Anglia has been improving drainage at the station ahead of the bridge's installation

The old footbridge at Stowmarket station was replaced with a temporary one in January, and the only way to cross platforms at Stowmarket station without it at present is via a level crossing.

The station was closed on 17 and 18 May as Network Rail completed maintenance on the track between Norwich and Ipswich.

Greater Anglia said it used this closure to complete further preparation works for the bridge while drainage installations were completed.

It received funding for accessibility improvements at the station under the government's Access for All scheme.

Greater Anglia's infrastructure and major projects director, Andrew Goodrum, said "good progress" had been made on preparations for the bridge's installation.

"We are looking forward to delivering this revolutionary new footbridge, complete with lifts, for our customers," he added.