22.06.20
Multi-million-pound summer investment in Sussex rail route
Rail passengers in Sussex are set to benefit from a significant renewal and refurbishment to Oxted Viaduct and a footbridge replacement in Eridge, a village on the Uckfield branch of the Oxted line.
Oxted viaduct was constructed in 1881 and the bridge carries two railway lines over the A25 road and the River Eden on the line running from South Croydon to Uckfield. Over the coming months, engineers will be blast cleaning and repainting Oxted Viaduct and carrying out extensive repairs to the steelwork.
Eridge station serves the rural district in East Sussex with Southern trains services via the Uckfield Branch of the Oxted Line. The existing staircases and bridge will be replaced with a new modern-designed footbridge.
The platform canopies at Eridge station will also be renovated, refining the overall passenger experience for passengers commuting to London or visiting the Spa Valley Railway.
Chris Fowler, Customer Services Director for Southern, said: “On behalf of our customers, we welcome this major investment to maintain safe travel and a local landmark long into the future.
“While we are currently asking people to consider whether they really need to use the train, we thank those who do have to travel for their patience during this vital work.”
Paul Harwood, Regional Investment Director for Network Rail, said: “The Oxted Viaduct is more than 100 years old and like any structure of that age, needs maintenance and servicing.
“Overhauling the viaduct is essential to ensuring we maintain a good level of service for passengers who use this route while the new improved footbridge in Eridge will serve the local community for many years to come.”
Images: Network Rail