Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP accepted an invitation from Network Rail to view the works they are doing to Berwick’s iconic railway bridge on Friday. The 190 year old bridge – an icon of the town – is undergoing repair works to its façade to keep it ins great condition for generations to come.
The work, being carried out on over 2 million bricks – involves repointing and occasional replacement of bricks, just like is done to traditional properties, albeit this work is a little more precarious! This major project to repair all 28 arches of the Grade I listed bridge across the Tweed began in 2022 and is due to be completed later this year.
The MP was met at the site by Sam Trickett, (Scheme Project Manager, Story Contracting Ltd) Jon Calvert, (Principal Portfolio Manager, Network Rail) and Tom Grainger, Lead Portfolio Manager, Network Rail who explained to her that work began in early 2022 to repair the structure and upon closer inspection, specialist engineers decided to seize the opportunity to carry out even more repairs, improving efficiency and helping the bridge look its best for years to come. They then were able to scale the scaffolding to view the work up close – not a visit for those without a head for heights!
Anne-Marie said of the visit:
"It was such a treat to be able to go up Berwick's iconic bridge and see first-hand the works Network Rail are painstakingly carrying out to ensure the bridge remains in great condition for generations to come. What a fabulous view of Berwick and beyond, and wonderful to see the work the team is doing up close."
As the work will be highly visible, lineside neighbours and local residents have been kept informed via letter and an online information session was held in January 2022. The footpath along the river will remain open throughout the works to minimise the impact on the community, although there will be some closures to the northern bank footpath.
