New footbridge for Eridge station

The new footbridge at Eridge serves both the Southern and Spa Valley Railway platforms.

A new £1.8 million footbridge at Eridge station in East Sussex has replaced the time-expired bridge to protect the safety of those using the bridge and the trains operating below.

Eridge station lies on the Uckfield branch of the Oxted line. Sothern services to London Bridge and to Uckfield call at the station, which also acts as a terminus for the heritage Spa Valley Railway, which runs for 5.5 miles to Tunbridge Wells West in Kent.

The former staircases and bridge have been replaced with a new modern-designed footbridge, which incorporates glazing panels to allow for natural light. The platform canopies at the station have also been refurbished, improving the overall passenger experience for passengers commuting to London or visiting the Spa Valley Railway.

Paul Harwood, regional investment director for Network Rail, said: “The new bridge will deliver a safe and reliable walking route over the railway while maintaining access between the lineside communities.

“We are committed to improving the railway environment for passengers, and this footbridge will enhance their journey experience for many years to come”.

Chris Fowler, customer services director for Southern and Gatwick Express, added: “On behalf of our Eridge customers, we welcome Network Rail’s major investment in modern safety and comfort standards.

“The new footbridge will complement the comprehensive refurbishment in the pipeline for Eridge station, including improvements to the main building, better seating and toilets, as part of our network-wide, multimillion-pound station improvement programme.”

Mark Dodd, customer service manager at Spa Valley Railway, commented: “The Spa Valley Railway are absolutely delighted with the new footbridge; the project team has spent considerable time and effort in designing and approving such an appropriate structure, which fits into the heritage feel of the station.

“The project has been a true reflection of multi organisations working collaboratively together, to produce something so great. It really enhances the feel of the station. A 21st Century structure which blends sympathetically with the heritage feel.”