Campaign starts to save historic railway bridge

9 hours ago

Tony FisherBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire

News image — Campaigners say it would be an act of vandalism to fill the bridge in with concrete under the beams

The HRE Group A brick railway bridge spanning a narrow passageway, with weathered steel beams visible beneath the structure. A wooden fence runs across the foreground, separating the viewer from the area under the bridge. Through the opening, several small buildings, a level-crossing gate, and a traditional railway semaphore signal can be seen in the distance. Trees, shrubs, and dry grass surround the scene. — Campaigners say it would be an act of vandalism to fill the bridge in with concrete under the beams

A campaign has begun to try and save an historic railway bridge which has a severely corroded supporting beam.

The structure, which was built in 1920 replacing the old timber bridge, carries the B1368 over the former Buntingford branch line at Braughing, Hertfordshire.

National Highways, which is responsible for maintaining it, said at a meeting in May that it was looking to fill the space beneath it with tonnes of foamed concrete.

Stephen Ruff of the Buntingford Railway & Local History Society said "it would be an act of vandalism to fill it with concrete" and instead would like to see it repaired.

"It's probably the only complete station in Hertfordshire that has got both platforms and most of the station buildings surviving" he added.

"And with the bridge as well, it really is a special place."

Buntingford Railway & Local History Society collection A black-and-white photograph shows a railway line curving gently as it passes beneath a substantial brick bridge. Steep grass-covered embankments rise on both sides of the track, creating a cutting through the landscape. Traditional telegraph poles and railway signalling equipment are visible above and alongside the bridge. — The bridge after it was built in 1920, replacing the old timber bridge

National Highways said it was currently subject to single way traffic lights due to the south-east beam at the end of the bridge failing the relevant structural assessments.

"Due to such complex structural faults, vertical infill is the best option," it added.

Ian Ribbons, owner of the station, is the grandson of Horace Ribbons who was appointed stationmaster at Braughing in 1942, remaining in post until the line closed to passengers in 1964.

He said: "I'm upset and angry - they haven't even looked at a repair option.

"Infilling is the easy option; they'll have less to do in the future. And that's all that matters to them."

The HRE Group A heritage-style railway station platform lined with traditional brick buildings and vintage green-painted lamp posts. A dark railway carriage occupies the right-hand side of the image, while a wooden bench and station structures are visible on the left. The platform surface is weathered, with patches of dry grass growing between paving stones. In the background, mature trees and a railway bridge frame the scene under a cloudy sky. — The restored and preserved Braughing Station by the bridge

A National Highways spokesperson said: "We have been working with partners and expert engineers to find the best and safest solution for removing current restrictions on Station Road bridge at Braughing to improve local journeys, while protecting its historic integrity."

A petition launched to demonstrate support for the bridge's retention was signed by more than 700 people in its first week.

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