Delays to reopen station footbridge 'frustrating'

The footbridge at South Bank station has been shut since October

Work to replace an unsafe railway footbridge has been delayed after more issues were identified during a site visit.

The structure at South Bank station, near Middlesbrough, has been shut for 10 months, with rail replacement buses forced to operate eastbound due to the lack of access to one of the platforms.

Work was due to start in July to remove the bridge and replace it, but Network Rail said extra potential issues around pipes and cables had been identified, leading to delays.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), which has committed to funding the work, said the delays were "frustrating".

"Money has been committed by TVCA to demolishing the existing structure and creating a new temporary bridge to end the inconvenience faced by passengers," a TVCA spokesman said.

They added they were keen to see the work start "as soon as safely possible," the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

Network Rail said it had made "significant progress" and it was taking the extra potential issues identified into "careful consideration".

A spokesman for the company said: "We remain committed to ensuring the South Bank project proceeds smoothly.

"We're in close contact with our partners and thank station visitors for their patience and understanding."