Billericay rail footbridge removed

2:46am Monday 30th June 2008

TWO huge cranes have removed a Billericay rail footbridge used by commuters for more than 20 years.

The bridge was taken away yesterday to be refurbished by a company in Thanet, Kent.

The old pavement across the bridge, made redundant by the footbridge, has been resurfaced and reopened temporarily.

The cranes from Dartford arrived late on Saturday evening, but could not remove the 20-ton structure until rail service stopped after 1am on Sunday.

A few interested residents stayed up late to watch the whole operation. Barry Miller, of Hillhouse Road, said: "Once lifted, the two sections of the bridge were unbolted, but they couldn't get both sections on the lorry side by side.

"So one section was left and that will be taken to Kent later this week."

EDITOR'S CHOICE