Broads Authority Latest Update on Bridges

[ranworthbreeze]

Update on bridges – 11 March 2014

Trowse Bridge - Not operational (but can be opened at very restricted times, see below)

Network Rail has informed us testing had to be cancelled last week due to lack of access. They have now re-planned the testing for Thursday and Friday morning 20th -21st March 2014.

The current status of the bridge is that they have now managed to balance the jacks so they are all lifting and sharing the tonnage of the bridge evenly (this has been the main problem throughout the recent closure period). The jacks have been set up so they all return to zero after the lift. They still have a remaining error in that the bridge does not indicate fully raised when it is. They believe this is a software fault in the computer program and have an idea where it is. Next week they are going to address this software issue and are hopeful. They will update after next weeks testing.

Due to the fact that the bridge has been out of action for some time Network Rail have agreed that they are willing to swing the bridge manually by bringing in plant staff when required.

Due to the frequency of London trains and the time it takes to operate a swing manually the bridge can be opened on a Sunday at 09:05 and any night between 02:00 and 04:00 provided seven days' notice has been given to allow for plant staff to be on site. Openings within these times can be arranged by contacting Network Rail through their Area Incident Control Centre. This is staffed 24/7 and they will then pass on the request to the Ipswich Distribution & Plant team for a response.

tel 02079 793609

email CO-ANG-EAH-11A@networkrail.co.uk

Please find below opening times for the bridge once it becomes operational.

Mon - Fri Sat Sun

1002 0910 0905

1107 1107 1128

1406 1405 1426

1606 1608 1726

1842 1809 1926

Breydon Bridge – Not operational

The Port Authority has informed us that the bridge is not currently operational. New hydraulic parts are being sourced and they will not be available until at least week commencing 10 March 2014. Further information to follow when advised.

Oulton Broad Road Bridge – Fully operational

Oulton Broad Swing Bridge- Fully Operational

Carrow Bridge - Fully operational

Somerleyton Bridge - Fully operational

Reedham Bridge - Fully operational

Beccles Bypass Bridge - Fully operational

Vauxhall Railway Bridge - Fully operational

Haven Bridge - Fully operational

Kind regards

Angie Leeper

Asset Officer

Broads Authority, Yare House,

62 - 64 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1RY

tel 01603 756057

mob 07971 156076

fax 01603 756069

angie.leeper@broads-authority.gov.uk

[Liberty]

Hooray - Breydon bridge is now operational.

[ranworthbreeze]

Confirmation from the Broads Authority.

Breydon Bridge

The Authority has been informed by Eastport Uk that following overnight repairs last week and trial lifts over the weekend, the bridge is returned to full service and is now fully operational.

Kind regards

Angie Leeper

Asset Officer

Broads Authority, Yare House,

62 - 64 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1RY

tel 01603 756057

mob 07971 156076

fax 01603 756069

angie.leeper@broads-authority.gov.uk

[mbird]

Good news!

[Matt]

As of midday today:

@enjoythebroads: Urgent Boating News -Somerleyton bridge is stuck in a partial open position and is not available for boat users.Trains are also suspended.

[ranworthbreeze]

Hi Matt,

I was just coming onto the forum to list this after getting the notification from the BA this morning.

I guess being as the sun is out the bridge will be getting its normal rail expansion problems as well.

Regards

Alan

Somerleyton Swing Bridge

We have just been advised by Network Rail that Somerleyton Swing Bridge has developed a fault and has become stuck in a partially opened position.

We have been advised that boats are unable to pass and that train services are also suspended.

Response teams now being mobilised.

Angie Leeper

Asset Officer

Broads Authority, Yare House,

62 - 64 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1RY

tel 01603 756057

mob 07971 156076

fax 01603 756069

angie.leeper@broads-authority.gov.uk

[Matt]

maybe it's the wrong type of sun?

[mbird]

Here we go again....

[650xs]

up the nat I say the river is dangerous and the bridges ....!!!!!

corr don't, get me started

[Matt]

@enjoythebroads: Urgent Boating News - Somerleyton bridge now operational for boat users

[ExUserGone]

Whats the latest on mutford lock? Is it operational yet?

[ranworthbreeze]

Hi Dave,

 

Looking at the Oulton Broads webcam there is some indication that workmen and some skips on site at the side of the lock. As far as I am aware that the locks are still being manually operated at the moment.

 

As soon as I get notification from the Broads Authority I will post a message.

 

Regards

Alan

[Matt]

Wrong type of sun again!

@enjoythebroads: Urgent boating news - Reedham Bridge is currently unable to swing for river users

[diesel falcon]

Yes Reedham bridge is not expected to back until tommorow mon, today we squeezed Que Vadis under, after he did an emergency demast!!

There were some high boats already rafted up.

[mbird]

Reedham bridge broke on Saturday evening, but apparently they couldn't get an engineer out until Monday. I bet it would have been a different story if it had broke in the open position like Somerleyton last week! I think it must have caused an issue for the NYA cruise in company returning from Southwold, who I think were the ones rafted on the waiting pontoon.