Network Rail has completed a four-month project to upgrade and improve Duffield station's 132-year-old footbridge in Derbyshire.

Since January engineers have invested £900,000 to bring the much-loved railway crossing back to its original splendour.

The footbridge was originally built in 1892, of which the main bridge span remains. It then went through a significant modification in 1957 when the original ironwork staircases were replaced with brick.

The latest overhaul started in the New Year and saw Network Rail and contractor Amco Giffen carefully plan the work to cause the least disruption to station users as possible.


Major improvements took place to the structure, including new handrails, stair treads, and cross beams, as well as masonry and drainage upgrades.

All steelwork was then mechanically prepared before being painted in heritage railway colours.

The work will improve the experience of passengers as they travel from the station and offers them a safer way to cross the railway.

Shak Munshi, Network Rail Project Manager, said: "It's really important for Network Rail to protect and conserve structures on the railway network – and the footbridge at Duffield station is a prime example of a much-loved heritage asset being sensitively brought up to date.

"The vital investment now means the railway crossing will be safer and more reliable for passengers for generations to come. We are delighted with the outcome of this project and hope that both passengers and local residents are as pleased with the end result as we are.

"It has been great to work with principal contractor, Amco Giffen, whose expertise and collaborative efforts were instrumental in the successful completion of this project."