Bromborough Station Footbridge, Wirral

Taziker was contracted by Network Rail to provide a full refurbishment of the footbridge at Bromborough Station, which is positioned on the Chester and Ellesmere Port branches of the Wirral line.

First opened in 1841, the station has since been an important part of the Merseyrail Network.

The Challenge

Throughout the project Bromborough Station had to remain open and fully operational.  While the footbridge was undergoing refurbishment, we had to implement an alternative access route to the platforms, which avoided disruption for passengers.

Covid-19 restrictions affected our works throughout the project, but in November 2020 a second national four-week lockdown amplified the restrictions which Taziker had to abide by.  Additionally, during our works we identified that the existing footbridge roof contained asbestos.

The Solution

We implemented a temporary access solution to allow passengers to access both of the platforms as well as the ticket services directly from the exterior station pathway.  All routes were clearly sign posted to minimise disruption for passengers, while reducing their interaction with our works to create a safe environment.

We cut a doorway into the surrounding boundary of the station and installed new steps and a door to create safe and easy access.  Upon completion of works, the station decided to keep this system in place permanently for use on future maintenance projects as well as for general station use when required.

Covid-19 restrictions required us to reprogramme our works to consider updated and stricter social distancing rules.  We implemented a new methodology that ensured operatives were safe but allowed our works to continue at the same pace, ensuring works were kept to the scheduling of the strict time constraints.

The footbridge was fully encapsulated to guarantee that no debris from the two stairways would fall on to the platforms or rail track.  Hoardings were erected to separate the public from the working area.

When we identified asbestos in the existing footbridge roof, we immediately reacted and the client completed a survey of the structure.  This resulted in appointing a specialist local contractor to safely remove the asbestos without affecting the surrounding rail environment. 

We prioritised sourcing equipment and resources from local companies based in the Northwest and brought in local subcontractors to complete the roofing (Bolton), glazing (Birkenhead) and asbestos removal (Wirral) works.

We also installed: motion censored LED lighting to reduce power consumption; braille markings on to our newly installed handrails to bring independence to visually impaired people; and a glass reinforced plastic (GRP) footbridge deck to reduce carbon footprint and its lightweight properties allowed for reduced travel emissions and easy installation.

The Result

Bromborough station footbridge underwent both a structural and aesthetic refurbishment while the station remained fully operational. 

We installed a new roof and glazing, as well as a new GRP deck, handrails, and stairway.  The structure received a refresh with both the external and internal paint system being updated, and the installation of a new LED lighting system helped to create a pleasant and safe environment for passengers.

We collaborated with Network Rail, Merseyrail and Merseytravel on this Great North Rail Project (GNRP) to successfully enhance passenger experience both now and into the future through the provision of robust solutions.