Rail passengers travelling through Bath and Wiltshire later this month are being urged to plan ahead as Network Rail begins a significant programme of restoration works on two of the region’s most important railway heritage assets: the Grade II listed Sydney Gardens footbridge and the eastern entrance to Box Tunnel.
The works form part of a wider investment to preserve some of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s most iconic railway structures, while also delivering essential maintenance on one of the busiest sections of the Great Western Main Line.
Sydney Gardens Footbridge Restoration
Located within one of Britain’s oldest surviving Georgian pleasure gardens, Sydney Gardens footbridge is the last remaining cast‑iron footbridge of its kind on the Great Western Main Line. Designed by Brunel and constructed in 1841, the structure is widely regarded as a rare and significant example of early Victorian railway engineering.
Over the next two months, Network Rail engineers will carry out an extensive programme of work, including:
- Grit‑blasting of the cast‑iron structure
- Steel and masonry repairs
- A full repaint
- Complete replacement of the timber deck
To minimise environmental impact and protect the surrounding parkland, the bridge will be fully wrapped for the duration of the works.
A work compound will be established within the existing Bath & North East Somerset Council compound in Sydney Gardens from Monday 13 April. For safety reasons, the footpath beneath the bridge will be closed, with clearly signed pedestrian diversions in place. The second footbridge within the park will remain open throughout the project.
Box Tunnel Eastern Portal Works
Further east of Bath, near Corsham, engineers will also undertake repairs and detailed surveys at the Grade II listed eastern portal of Box Tunnel. Opened in 1841, Box Tunnel remains one of the most important early railway tunnels in Britain and a key element of Brunel’s legacy.
Planned Closures and Wider Maintenance
Scaffolding for both projects will be installed during planned railway closures between Bath Spa and Chippenham across two consecutive weekends in April and May. These possessions will also support additional critical infrastructure work, including:
- Track renewal at Bathford
- Drainage improvements near Corsham
Industry Reaction
Dan Parkes, Principal Portfolio Manager for Network Rail, said:
“Sydney Gardens footbridge and the Box Tunnel entrance are not just railway structures, they are irreplaceable pieces of Brunel’s legacy. Restoring them is both a responsibility and a privilege.
“By coordinating this work with other planned maintenance, we’re minimising disruption to passengers whilst protecting two of the most historic landmarks on our railway.
“If you’re planning to travel during this time, please make sure to check before you travel, as bus replacement services will be in place on some routes and journeys may take longer than usual.”
Oana Apetroaie, GWR Station Manager for Bath Spa and Chippenham, said:
“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause but the work planned will help us to maintain our train services in the area for years to come.
“Rail replacement services are planned for those stations affected and ticket acceptance is in place on some local bus services in the area as an alternative.
“It’s important that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements could make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”
A spokesperson for Friends of Sydney Gardens said:
"The Friends of Sydney Gardens are delighted the Grade II listed footbridge designed by Brunel, is being restored. The cast-iron pedestrian bridge built in 1841, is a rare survivor of Brunel’s legacy.
"Brunel’s railway cuts through the centre of Sydney Gardens; a sole surviving Grade II listed pleasure garden in the UK, which deserves to be protected and preserved for future generations.
"We understand the Brunel Grade II listed retaining wall above the rail line will also be cleared of plant and tree growth during this Network Rail bridge restoration project. This work will improve line safety and protect the wall from further deterioration and damage.
"The Friends have been in discussion with Network Rail for several years about the state of the bridge and we are so pleased new funding has now been found to carry out the necessary work. The Friends very much welcome the refurbishment of this important feature of Sydney Gardens."
Image credit: Network Rail
