Network Rail has completed repairs to the central bearing of Reedham swing bridge in Norfolk, returning the rail crossing to operation ahead of schedule.
The bridge carries trains over the River Yare and swings open to allow larger boats to navigate the waterway. Its central bearing forms part of the main pivot and supports the structure as it opens and closes.
Complex repair completed early
A major mechanical fault had prevented the bridge from swinging for most of the summer. Engineers removed the failed bearing and installed a replacement during a complex programme carried out over several weeks.
The new bearing was fitted over the August bank holiday weekend, followed by testing and commissioning. The bridge was expected to return to service by mid-September.
Network Rail Anglia infrastructure director Joe Kennedy said the work was a “major, complex repair” to infrastructure that was also an important heritage landmark. He apologised for the disruption caused to boat users, passengers and local neighbours.
Monitoring and operating restrictions
Network Rail worked with the Broads Authority to arrange three controlled bridge openings in late July and early August. About 30 boats passed through during those openings, which were dependent on engineering tests to confirm that further movement would not damage the bridge.
Smaller boats were able to continue navigating beneath the bridge during the repair period.
The Broads Authority’s director of delivery, Rob Rogers, thanked those affected for their patience and said the repair had been completed ahead of schedule despite the challenges of working on an old structure.
Operators will closely monitor the bridge as regular swinging resumes. Network Rail said heritage swing bridges can experience minor reliability issues after major repairs, particularly following an extended period out of operation.
Hot-weather restrictions will also remain in place. The bridge cannot be swung when temperatures are too high because its main structures and rails expand in the heat.