A HISTORIC bridge is getting a £16,000 revamp ahead of the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. 

The Grade II listed bridge in North Road, Darlington, will be repaired and repainted in a holly green colour.

Network Rail is carrying out the work this month, when a section of North Road will be closed.

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In order to carry out the renovations safely, the section will be closed overnight to cars, cyclists and pedestrians from Monday, March 28 until Saturday, April 2.

Sarah Reid, route director for Network Rail’s east coast route said: “The railway bridge on North Road has been a feature of Darlington since 1856. This important restoration work will improve the condition of the historically important structure and provide an enhanced gateway for the whole North Road area.

“We’ve worked closely with Darlington Borough Council to deliver a series of bridge improvements which celebrate the town’s rich railway heritage – and I’d like to thank people for bearing with us as we complete this final stage.”

The bridge has carried the Stockton and Darlington Railway – the world’s first passenger railway to use steam trains – for 166 years, making it a key piece of the town’s rich railway heritage.

The work is ahead of major celebrations being planned for the line’s 200-year anniversary in 2025.

Peter Gibson, MP for Darlington said: “It is fantastic to see much needed improvements to our local railway bridges progress.

“I have been working closely with Network Rail to ensure that the historic importance of these bridges is taken into consideration when restoration works are undertaken.

“It was great to join the Network Rail’s team on the Yarm Road bridge recently where I was able to see first-hand the condition of the bridge and the enhancements after the much needed work had been completed.”

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Councillor Heather Scott, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with Network Rail on this project to improve the appearance of integral parts of our railway routes. The restoration and repaint works are making a great difference for the benefit of our community and visitors to the town.”

The bridge on North Road is the third and final bridge to be renovated in a trio of upgrades.

In 2020, Network Rail completed work to refresh two historic railway bridges on Yarm Road, Darlington as part of a £60,000 total investment.

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