Footbridge work at Bedhampton

[K.o.R]

According to the signs the footbridge at Bedhampton is out of action until at least January, and looking at what's been done to it so far I can see why. At this point I wonder why they don't just demolish it and put a new one in. Maybe it's a listed structure?

 

[DelW]

View attachment 144985

According to the signs the footbridge at Bedhampton is out of action until at least January, and looking at what's been done to it so far I can see why. At this point I wonder why they don't just demolish it and put a new one in. Maybe it's a listed structure?

Possibly: a new footbridge would have to be accessible (ramps or lifts), but repairing the old one retains "grandfather rights" to have steps only?

 

[swt_passenger]

Possibly: a new footbridge would have to be accessible (ramps or lifts), but repairing the old one retains "grandfather rights" to have steps only?

The station has level access both sides anyway as it’s at a level crossing.

 

[75A]

The station has level access both sides anyway as it’s at a level crossing.

I'm glad you said that because that's how I remember it.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Yes, easy access from both sides.

About time the footbridge got a bit of TLC. Wonder what colour it will end up in...

 

[K.o.R]

The station has level access both sides anyway as it’s at a level crossing.

It would not surprise me if they wanted to close it however. The extra space would be enough for a ramped bridge.

 

[K.o.R]

Primer coat (though not on the trackward side of the ironwork!) from a couple of weeks ago. It has since been painted a rather fetching dark green. That rusted bar on the landing front and centre showing no signs of being repaired or replaced. They haven't painted it so perhaps it will be fixed.

 

[Lockwood]

It would not surprise me if they wanted to close it however.

It's closed 95% of the time anyway...

 

[K.o.R]

It's closed 95% of the time anyway...

You're not wrong.

 

[Sun Chariot]

So...to recap on "progress"...

Paint- and step-removal work started in the second week of September 2023.
Trackside paint removal took place over the first October weekend, as seen here.
The station's notices advertised a completion date of 5th January 2024.

4th January, the notices were hastily taken down; and new ones quoted completion on 29th February. The sides of the bridge were primed and partially painted.
Work stopped again, in the second half of January.

Still no resumption of work. Still no date for completion. The morning throng, due to a lack of bridge, borders on a scrum.

And - received in this morning's post. The irony....

 

[K.o.R]

Oh dear, maybe those rusted-away sections were only the tip of a nasty iceberg.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Oh dear, maybe those rusted-away sections were only the tip of a nasty iceberg.

I did wonder whether the pillars masked more evil corrosion. The visible affected area, where the steps turn 90 degrees (in the foreground of your photos), I think can be re-plated easily.

I understand it's a Grade 2 Listed structure; goodness knows why, as we aren't exactly short of ex-LSWR footbridges down these parts.

(11th March) 2 photos, taken approximately six months apart. Judge the "progress" for yourself....

 

[Sun Chariot]

Small steps.... Attached NR info received in today's post; describing what will be done and when.

 

[K.o.R]

What do they mean, "WILL" be closed?

 

[Sun Chariot]

What do they mean, "WILL" be closed?

Well I know it's had no steps on it and fenced off since early September 2023, but it must only be mothballed

 

[Sun Chariot]

Progress of sorts:
The polypropylene steps and "scaffold pole" temporary hand rails have been added. The metal access-blocking fence has been removed this weekend.
Painting has yet to resume - and, with the steps getting fitted before the painting, it feels like putting up wall shelves before painting the room...

 

[Sun Chariot]

Shocker. Only 54 weeks after closure, Bedhampton Station's footbridge is actually open for pedestrians.
Trackside ironwork is still a fetching blend of rusty metal or undercoat. Give it a year...