Engineers assembled the structure last week in Annan as a trial run conducted off-site. Network Rail is undertaking the installation of the footbridge and new lifts as part of a £3.6 million investment in the 'Access for All' scheme, aimed at improving the station's accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility, prams, and luggage.
During the trial, the steelwork for the bridge, sourced locally from M&S Engineering Ltd, underwent inspection and received approval from the project team for the subsequent production stages. It will now undergo dismantling and painting before being transported to Dumfries for installation via crane. This installation is scheduled to occur overnight on April 13.
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In recent months, significant progress have been made in the preparatory work on site. The installation of piles has been successfully completed, and attention has now shifted towards constructing the lift shafts and bridge foundations to provide support for the new bridge. Approximately 100 cubic meters of concrete and 20 tonnes of reinforcement are anticipated to be utilized in the construction of these foundations.
The new accessible footbridge weighs 51 tonnes and has 2,389 individual parts, pieced together with 973 bolts. It incorporates elements from the original footbridge at Dumfries station, including a saltire design on the bridge parapet and curved detail on the bridge deck.
Open railings on the staircase and a sandstone cladding system on the lift towers have also been included to complement the station’s heritage features.
Amanda Naughton, Network Rail's scheme project manager for Dumfries station’s accessibility improvements said: "It was great to see the bridge assembled and to get a sense of what it will look like ahead of installation. We are delighted with the progress that has been made on this project and would like to thank passengers and the wider public for their patience while this work is ongoing."
From midnight on Wednesday 10 April until Monday 15 April the car park at platform two will be closed in order to allow the cranes to move in and complete the work. Train services will not be impacted.
