Somerleyton Swing Bridge Update
Network Rail and train operator National Express East Anglia have amended the Lowestoft – Norwich train timetable to enable an extra opening of Somerleyton Bridge for boat traffic during weekdays from Monday 16th August. They have also increased two 50 minute slots to a full hour on Sundays.
This follows pressure from the Broads Authority which is pursuing a legal agreement with Network Rail in a bid to ensure more effective maintenance of the four swing bridges in the Broads.
The bridge at Somerleyton has caused particular concern this summer with repeated breakdowns as a result of damage to its pivot mechanism.
In July Network Rail reported they had repaired the problem but, after a brief reprieve, the bridge was closed to boats again and a temporary winch installed to allow passage twice a day rather than the usual on-demand service.
Now Network Rail has worked with Network Express East Anglia to re-schedule the weekday 6.47pm NXEA service from Lowestoft to Norwich to depart five minutes later at 6.52pm. This means a sufficient window is created for Somerleyton bridge to be manually swung should any fixed-mast boats wish to pass through.
From Monday 16th August until October 22nd bridge openings will be offered three times daily for 10 minutes each on weekdays, with two 10 minute openings on Saturdays and two hour long slots on Sundays.
However the swing will not occur automatically. Boaters will have to make bridge operators aware of their presence before or during the opening times either through VHF radio channel 12, blowing a horn, or visually attracting attention.
John Packman, Chief Executive of the Broads Authority, said: “I am pleased that as a result of the perseverance of Broads Authority staff Network Rail has negotiated an extra swing during the week and extended the swing times on Sunday. The Broads Authority has been pressing for a more effective maintenance procedure for these bridges because we are sensitive to the impact the breakdown has had on boaters.”
Andrew Munden, Network Rail route director, said: “We know this isn’t an ideal situation for some boat users but we hope the extra opening time will be a welcome improvement on the current situation.
“Running a 21st century railway on Edwardian infrastructure is a challenge and we thank boat users for their patience while we work to secure the best long-term solution for this unique structure.”
The Broads Authority is concerned that the breakdown of the bridge could have a detrimental effect on tourism in the Broads as it is the gateway to the Broads and the sea. It has impressed on Network Rail the importance of solving the issue as quickly and effectively as possible.
Network Rail has a statutory obligation to open bridges for navigation and could be liable for compensation. The new legal agreement would require a schedule of work for each of the bridges aimed at ensuring their reliability in the future.
In recognition of the disruption some boat users may have encountered recently, Network Rail has funded a mooring pontoon upstream of Somerleyton bridge where yachts can lower their masts safely and where vessels can wait safely for a bridge swing.
New bridge opening timesFrom Monday 16th August until Friday 22nd October, Somerleyton swing bridge can be swung at the following times if river traffic request it:
Monday to Friday: 10.05am to 10.15am, 3.30pm to 3.40pm and 6.40pm to 6.50pm
Saturday: 9.30am to 9.40am and 3.30pm to 3.40pm
Sunday: 10.10am to 11.10am and 4.10pm to 5.10pm
INFO: Lowestoft Air Show – 12th & 13th AugustDue to additional National Express East Anglia train services for people travelling to and from the Lowestoft Air Show, Network Rail will be altering the advertised opening times of Somerleyton swing bridge for river traffic on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th August.
On both days the bridge will be open to river traffic from 9.30am to 9.40am and from 2.05pm to 2.15pm. They will then revert to the new opening times as above.
12/08/10
