RAIL users and residents spoke of their delight as work to reopen Benfleet railway bridge finished on time today.

Trains on the c2c line are now fully operational running through Benfleet station in Ferry Road, as contractors completed work to tear down the 100-year-old bridge and install a new one last week.

Engineers worked tirelessly from Christmas Day to ensure the track was reopened ahead of New Years Eve.

Commuters are being urged to take care, however, as a temporary surface is still in place on the platforms while the remaining improvements inside the station are finished.

Passengers have praised the company for their swift work after fears the project would not be completed in time for residents returning to work this week.

Phil Hubbard ‏tweeted: "@c2c_rail top work on getting #BenfleetBridge completed on time. #apromisekept I popped down yesterday to take a few pics."

Ferry Road has also been partially reopened to traffic with one lane opened and temporary traffic lights in place.

 

How has the bridge closure affected you? Contact reporter Jacqueline McMillan on 01268 469435 to share your views.