New station footbridge to last more than a century

A new £7.9m footbridge connecting platforms at a railway station has been installed.

Network Rail says the new bridge over the Midland Mainline at Harlington Station, Bedfordshire, is designed to last for 120 years.

It replaces an older bridge which had shown signs of corrosion.

Shak Munshi, project manager for Network Rail, said the bridge "represents a significant investment in modern, reliable infrastructure that will improve safety and create a better experience for everyone who uses the station".

Network Rail said the installation was a key part of the station investment project, which also includes the renewal of platform surfaces, paving and yellow lines.

It was lifted into place over Christmas when trains were not running, meaning there was no disruption for passengers.

A 300-tonne crane with a 40m boom was used to lift sections weighing as much as 9.1 tonnes.

Jenny Saunders, Thameslink customer services director, said: "We look forward to the opening of the new footbridge, after which the car park will once again become fully available."

The project is set to be completed in spring 2026.

Part of Harlington station's car park remains closed to accommodate construction facilities.

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