Case study: footbridge condition
12 September 2024
Footbridge surveyed and actions taken after concern about poor state of footbridge.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sunil060902
Petts Wood station footbridge has cracks and holes, rust, and corrosion.This might affect its structural integrity. Poor drainage could be why. Water settles on the metal girders.
The track is visible beneath a hole. A hazard board is covering this. There are no nosings (to increase step visibility) on the crumbling steps to platforms 3 and 4. There could be a risk of slips, trips, or falls. Despite temporary repairs, the reporter was concerned.
Network Rail arranged for a contractor to survey it. A detailed survey in February 2020 noted poor condition but no immediate safety concerns. It then met the contractor to discuss temporary work needed and timescales. The short-term fix was to bolt timber struts through the web of cross beams, and to support the grille and deck above. This was planned for completion in 2024.
The footbridge will still be inspected annually. Immediate risks or defects will be fault-reported via the Operational Property Helpdesk for
priority attention.
Complete refurbishment is planned for 2025/26, to include strengthening, repairs, and a repaint. If a replacement is more economically viable, Network Rail will explore this, but surveys don’t show this.