A railway footbridge at South Bank station is continuing to incur major costs while it awaits removal, with £85,000 being spent on five months of round-the-clock security to prevent public access.

The structure, which connects to platform two for eastbound services between Middlesbrough and Saltburn, has been out of use since October last year after inspections identified serious safety defects. Although Network Rail had planned to dismantle the 42-metre bridge and install a temporary replacement by August, unexpected underground pipes and cables have delayed the work, and the project has yet to properly begin.

Redcar and Cleveland Council, which maintains the bridge, recently approved the ongoing security expenditure to stop trespassers and monitor the condition of the footbridge. A contractor is stationed 24/7 at the site, which remains fenced off, and will stay in place “until further notice” while preparations continue.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority said the delays were “frustrating” and confirmed additional surveys were required before dismantling can start. It stressed the importance of reopening access, both for rail passengers and for workers travelling to the nearby Teesworks site, adding that funding for the temporary and long-term solutions is already in place.

Image: BBC