Bridleway Bridge Opens

Pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders now have a safe, step-free route across the Felixstowe Line following the opening of a bridleway bridge at Trimley St Martin.

The new bridge was the final component of a £65 million scheme to upgrade the line by installing 1.4km of track between Trimley station and the new bridge located at Gun Lane. Four level crossings were upgraded as was the signalling system.

The works were done to increase the freight capacity of the line by 10 trains per day in each direction allowing more goods to be moved by rail freight to and from the Port of Felixstowe; the improvements also provide for a more reliability passenger service.

The new bridleway bridge has replaced six pedestrian crossings, including the crossing at Gun Lane, to provide a safe route over the railway. New footpaths and bridleways have also been constructed which connect with the new bridge.

Mark Budden, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “The completion of the bridleway bridge marks the last major piece of work for the Felixstowe branch line enhancement scheme. I am very proud of all the hard work that has been done by Network Rail and VolkerFitzpatrick to build the infrastructure necessary to move more goods by rail freight which will benefit the local community and support the growing demand to move more goods by rail.”
John Cox, managing director rail & infrastructure at VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “Our team has worked incredibly hard, and their strong working relationship with Network Rail is testament to the successful achievements made throughout this major enhancement scheme.”