Network Rail is investing £450,000 to restore a historic station footbridge on the Cumbrian Coast line.

The railway crossing will be restored at Harrington station on the route between Workington and Whitehaven.

As part of the investment, the Victorian stairs and overbridge will be strengthened, and the steel will be grit blasted and fully repainted in its heritage colours by contractor Taziker.

Regular maintenance has kept the 19th century railway crossing in good condition over the years, but the bridge is now in need of a complete restoration.


Last weekend it was lifted away for the 12-week repairs to take place at Taziker’s factory in St Helen's.

Reece Holland, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: "Harrington station’s 19th century footbridge is a key historic feature of the station and this major investment will ensure it remains safe and reliable for passengers for decades to come.

"Whenever we carry out work like this we take great care to make sure it’s done sensitively and is in keeping with the railway's heritage. This wouldn’t have been possible without the close partnership with Community Rail Cumbria to make sure that the paint work is in-keeping with the original design."

Passengers will be able to use a temporary footbridge to access both platforms while the work takes place.