Historical Railways Estate: Boleside Footbridge - Restoring a Victorian gem

Our work on the Historical Railways Estate not only maintains public safety, but also brings about benefits to the local community.

A rare survivor from the heyday of the Edinburgh and Hawick Railway, Boleside footbridge is enjoyed as part of local walking route.

Scottish Border Council closed it in 2020, following concerns for its continued safe use.

Together with the council and our contractor Balfour Beatty we developed a plan to repair the Grade C listed structure to its former glory.

Our team wrapped the structure in a protective membrane.

This covering prevented any contamination while we removed the existing lead- based paint.

Repair work included completely repainting the footbridge. With a safer, modern paint, that we successfully colour matched with the original.

We repaired the cast iron end posts at each end of the bridge and the south abutment.

We replaced all the corroded floor plates and installed new supporting sections – using stronger materials.

Residents can now easily get between their homes and Boleside road, as well as enjoy riverside walks again.

Boleside footbridge is now one of 574 assets we look after in Scotland.

Find out more about our work by visiting: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-wo...