Network Rail has completed a package of works on swing bridges in Norfolk and Suffolk has as part of a project to improve their reliability.

The swing bridges are designed to carry trains over waterways and swing open to let boats through, but they are over 100 years old and their internal parts have become unreliable. During the project, Network Rail’s engineers are replacing these parts, making the bridges less likely to develop faults and reducing the need for costly maintenance.

During the autumn, engineers have carried out vital works on Reedham and Somerleyton swing bridges. At both bridges they have:

• Installed a beam in the building that houses the swing bridge machinery. This will make the building strong enough for a temporary opening to be made in the wall. The opening will allow old and heavy machinery to be moved out and replaced with modern, more reliable equipment.

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• Upgraded and replaced the manual winch system. This allows the bridge to be swung open manually by the bridge operator if there are problems with the machinery, keeping trains and boat users moving.

• Completed a full renewal and upgrade of the electrical system.

Dates for future works will be announced in due course and will primarily include a full replacement of the hydraulic and mechanical systems that the bridges use to open and close.

During October, survey work was additionally carried out at Oulton Broad swing bridge, which is also part of the project.

The upgrade of the three swing bridges will help Greater Anglia train passengers and boat users get to their destinations on time for years to come, while enabling the historic structures to keep being operated in the modern day.

While the swing bridge work took place over the nine day closure, Network Rail took the opportunity to carry out essential drainage, track and vegetation management works along the Norwich-Lowestoft line.