New Footbridge at Trevarno
Thursday, 29th October, 2009 - By Stuart Walker
We achieved another milestone in our plan to re-open a part of the former GWR line on Thursday 29 October when a footbridge was installed replacing one that was demolished in 1965.
The footbridge has been installed south of Trevarno station - which is currently under construction - and removes the final barrier from relaying the Helston Branch line between Trevarno and Truthall Halt. The bridge is adjacent to Trevarno's Estate Walk and provides outstanding views of the railway and the surrounding countryside.
The original bridge was removed by the demolition contractors after the Helston Branch line was finally closed by BR in 1964. The bridge was part of a footpath linking local farms and part of this now forms the Trevarno Estate Walk. In its place the contractors infilled the railway cutting with earth and this prevented us from laying track south from Trevarno. The installation of this bridge means that the infill can now be removed and we can continue laying track towards Helston.
The bridge has been manufactured by local firm Helston Galvanizing Services to a design by one of the railway's volunteers. The bridge was installed by AVG Engineering of Roche working in partnership with Macsalvors Crane Hire. The cost was met from donations by the Railway's members, the Railway share issue and a grant from Cornwall Council. The bridge was constructed on site before being lifted in position which allowed the footpath to remain open throughout.
Unfortunately we did not have any photographs or drawings of the original bridge, so we based the new bridge on designs of similar GWR bridges that still exist on the national rail network. The bridge is built from steel and painted black, as we understand the original Bridge was known as the Black Bridge.
The photographs show the bridge being lifted into position and the finished bridge. (Click for full size)
  
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Thanks to all the volunteers, Helston Galvanizing Ltd, AVG Engineering and Macsalvors for the successful completion and installation of the footbridge.
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