UPDATE 16 May 2026
Residents near the footbridge got in contact to say that the noise at night can be loud. We contacted Network Rail to ask if they could outlined the steps that they are taking to minimise noise. They said that they have done a letter drop to outline the current programme of works and provides high level information on the nature of works undertaken. Unfortunately, preparation of the footbridge steelwork is carried out using mechanical tools and ultra-high pressure water jetting, which is required to carry out refurbishment of the structure. They are maximising the resource on site to reduce the duration of these activities to both minimise disturbance to lineside neighbours and to reduce the overall programme duration.
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Little Roke footbridge, between Little Roke Road and Roke Road will be closing for refurbishment works from 1st June until 11th October.
I know for regular users, including those using it to attend the Harry Primary school, this will be very inconvenient.
A site compound and welfare facilities will be established on Roke Road for the duration of the works. To accommodate this, a temporary one-way traffic system will be introduced and the road will be closed to through traffic.
Access for residents will be maintained throughout the works, and those living on the affected section of Roke Road will continue to be able to access their properties by car.
The project will begin with enabling works and ground preparation between 1 June and 19 June 2026. Once these preliminary works have been completed, encapsulated scaffolding is due to be installed between 21 June and 5 July 2026. This will allow contractors to carry out steel repairs, surface preparation and painting, as well as concrete repairs to both the upper and lower ramps of the bridge.
Repairs to the central span of the bridge will be undertaken during planned railway possessions, including overnight and extended weekend closures of the railway.
Improvements to lighting will also take place.
Once all repair works have been completed, the scaffolding will be removed. This is currently scheduled to begin on 27 September 2026, with full demobilisation expected by 11 October 2026. Subject to the programme remaining on schedule, the footbridge is expected to reopen to the public on that date.
Map showing pedestrian diversion route
