National Highways accused of ‘vandalism’ over historic Hertfordshire bridge

Campaigners fighting the infilling of a 125-year-old bridge in Hertfordshire have launched a petition, which has attracted 700 signatures in the first week. The group says the bridge, which is north of Braughing Station, is historically significant and that the infilling scheme proposed by National Highways “would be an act of vandalism”. Braughing Station, which opened in 1863, was on the old Buntingford to St Margaret’s branch line. However, it closed as part of the Beeching cuts in 1964. Today, National Highways is responsible for the bridge which carries Station Road (the B1368). In a statement, the campaigners said the original timber bridge, which opened with the railway in 1863, was replaced by the existing one in 1920. They said the structure has suffered severe corrosion to the supporting beam on its south side and now has “an assessed capacity of zero tonnes”, resulting in the road being reduced to one lane with traffic-light control. NCE understands that National Highways’ Historical Railways Estates (HRE) team has been in contact with Hertfordshire County Council and other organisation to find the best solution for the bridge. “Due to such complex structural faults, vertical infill is the best option,” said National Highways, in a statement. “The alternative would likely require a complete replacement of the bridge which is very expensive and would and therefore lose all of the historic elements.” The bridge forms part of a group of historic railway assets with the restored and preserved Braughing Station and “frames a view of the site from a public footpath on its south side”, they said. In a statement, the campaign group said National Highways told a meeting of its Stakeholder Advisory Forum in May that it proposed to carry out a “vertical infill” scheme whereby the space beneath the bridge deck “would be filled with hundreds of tonnes of foamed concrete”. “However, it became clear at the meeting that no meaningful consideration had been given to the structure’s heritage value,” campaigners said. Ian Ribbons is owner of Braughing Station and has restored the site. He is the grandson of Horace Ribbons (image below) who was appointed stationmaster at Braughing in 1942 and remained in post until the line closed to passengers in 1964. He said: “I’m upset and angry – they haven’t even looked at a repair option. It’s all part of our history and it’s going to be lost. “They’ve let the bridge decay to a point where they’ve got an excuse to get rid of it.” Stephen Ruff of the Buntingford Railway and Local History Society says: “It’s probably the only complete station in Hertfordshire that has got both platforms and most of the station buildings surviving. “And with the bridge as well, it really is a special place.” He added: “You can imagine standing on the platform and peering through the bridge, waiting for the train to come round the corner to pick you up and take you down to Buntingford. I think it would be an act of vandalism to fill it with concrete.” Campaigners are now seeking to challenge National Highways’ decision and have asked the organisation to provide details of all the options that were developed to address the capacity issue, together with costings. A National Highways spokesperson said: “We are committed, where we can, to preserving our historic bridges and infrastructure, with safety being our top priority. “We have been working with partners and expert engineers to find the best and safest solution for removing current restrictions on Station Road bridge at Braughing to improve local journeys, while protecting its historic integrity.” It is now expected National Highways will now seek Department for Transport (DfT) and planning permission with a view to starting work next year. Campaigners will have the opportunity to comment on the planning application when it is submitted. Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here. Have your say or a new account to join the discussion.