40 Steps - Bridge Replacement 2013/2014

On Wednesday, 16th July 2014 marked the opening of the new footbridge to replace the famous '40 Steps'.| The opening took place with no ceremony. However, access to the new bridge is by steps only at present as work on the construction of the ramps on both sides of the railway has fallen behind schedule. This important crossing for pedestrians and cyclists has been missing for 261 days as 40 Steps was closed on 28th October 2013. Unlike 40 Steps, the new bridge itself is an enclosed structure but there are some new railway photographic opportunities to explore. It also provides a vantage point to observe the construction of the new road running along the former Fairwater Yard head shunt.

31st May 2014 Aincough cranes and trucks assemble at the 40 Steps work site on the 31st May 2014 in preparation to lift the various bridge sections into place. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

10th November 2013 The night of the 9th/10th November 2013, saw the 40 Steps Bridge located to the south of Taunton Station finally removed, the span across the railway was taken out to allow work to continue of the Taunton NIDR Road, and Network Rail to complete their new head shunt works for Fairwater Yard. Just a small section of steelwork remained in place adjacent to the Taunton Sorting Office, and the stantion on the Cyril Street side of the crossing. These will be dismantled in due course as they don't need so much interaction with Network Rail in order to do so! The replacement structure will not be ready until Spring 2014, and unfortunately we can confirm the span from the Sorting Office over the NIDR and Railway will be fully caged in 25mm square mesh! The only opportunity for railway photos may be from the Cyril Street side of the bridge from the disabled ramps. (Photo: Jeff Treece)

9th November 2013 The night of the 9th/10th November 2013, saw the 40 Steps Bridge located to the south of Taunton Station finally removed, the span across the railway was taken out to allow work to continue of the Taunton NIDR Road, and Network Rail to complete their new head shunt works for Fairwater Yard. Just a small section of steelwork remained in place adjacent to the Taunton Sorting Office, and the stantion on the Cyril Street side of the crossing. These will be dismantled in due course as they don't need so much interaction with Network Rail in order to do so! The replacement structure will not be ready until Spring 2014, and unfortunately we can confirm the span from the Sorting Office over the NIDR and Railway will be fully caged in 25mm square mesh! The only opportunity for railway photos may be from the Cyril Street side of the bridge from the disabled ramps. (Photo: Jeff Treece)

19th October 2013 The popular viewing platform from 40 Steps bridge in Taunton will be closed to the public from the 28th October 2013. The 'classic' photo opportunities from 40 Steps will not be accessible until a new bridge is constructed. The work is likely to take around 6 months to complete, and will mean a lengthy diversion for local residents. A new bridge will reopen in the spring 2014 in conjunction with the new Northern Inner Distributor Road (Photo: Jeff Treece)

19th October 2013 The popular viewing platform from 40 Steps bridge in Taunton will be closed to the public from the 28th October 2013. The 'classic' photo opportunities from 40 Steps will not be accessible until a new bridge is constructed. The work is likely to take around 6 months to complete, and will mean a lengthy diversion for local residents. A new bridge will reopen in the spring 2014 in conjunction with the new Northern Inner Distributor Road (Photo: Jeff Treece)

13th March 2011 Freightliner Class 66 No.66603 is pictured shunting the Network Rail HOBC set using the Fairwater Yard head shunt on the 13th March 2011. The classic 40 Steps footbridge can be seen passing above linking Chip Lane and Cycill Street. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

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