Historic Darlington railway bridge to get £16k revamp

A historic railway bridge in Darlington is set to be revitalised this month in a £16,000 revamp.

Network Rail will repair and repaint the Grade II listed bridge on North Road in a holly green colour to make it look better and brighter for years to come.

The bridge has carried the Stockton and Darlington Railway – the world’s first passenger railway to use steam trains – for 166 years, making it a key piece of the town’s rich railway heritage.

The work is ahead of major celebrations being planned for the line’s 200-year anniversary in 2025. The upcoming revamp will help the bridge look its best for this major milestone.

Sarah Reid, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route said: “The railway bridge on North Road has been a feature of Darlington since 1856. This important restoration work will improve the condition of the historically important structure and provide an enhanced gateway for the whole North Road area.

“We’ve worked closely with Darlington Borough Council to deliver a series of bridge improvements which celebrate the town’s rich railway heritage – and I’d like to thank people for bearing with us as we complete this final stage.”

Peter Gibson, Member of Parliament for Darlington said: “It is fantastic to see much needed improvements to our local railway bridges progress.

“I have been working closely with Network Rail to ensure that the historic importance of these bridges is taken into consideration when restoration works are undertaken.

“It was great to join the Network Rail’s team on the Yarm Road bridge recently where I was able to see first-hand the condition of the bridge and the enhancements after the much needed work had been completed.”

Leader of Darlington Borough Council, Cllr Heather Scott said: “We are delighted to be working with Network Rail on this project to improve the appearance of integral parts of our railway routes. The restoration and repaint works are making a great difference for the benefit of our community and visitors to the town.”

In order to carry out the renovations safely, this section of North Road will be closed overnight to cars, cyclists and pedestrians from Monday 28 March until Saturday 2 April 2022.

The bridge on North Road is the third and final bridge to be renovated in a trio of upgrades. In 2020, Network Rail completed work to refresh two historic railway bridges on Yarm Road, Darlington as part of a £60,000 total investment.