Bridge restoration in doubt
A �40,000 survey of a disused former railway bridge has revealed serious structural problems that have cast doubt over hopes it could be restored to its former glory.
But other ways of saving important features of the Vauxhall Bridge outside Great Yarmouth rail station will be explored.
The detailed survey and report carried out by Mott MacDonald found the sections of the bridge that used to carry trains had corroded more quickly than other parts.
The level of corrosion was sufficient, the report stated, to rule out any economically viable repair option.
The news is a blow to campaigners who have been fighting for the Grade II listed bridge, which dates back to the 19th century, to be restored.
One of the campaigners, county councillor Tom Garrod, said: “A lot of people have been pressing for the restoration of Vauxhall Bridge and the results of the survey of the main bridge are not what we were hoping for.
“This is disappointing, but the next stage will be to see what options are still available, based upon the report’s findings, and to seek the views of the Reconnecting Great Yarmouth project board, which next meets later this month.”
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Borough councillors have described the bridge as an “eyesore” in the past and it has featured on the Grotbritain website of the most rundown and dirty places in the country.
