11^th March 2019: Leading bridge and engineering services specialist Mabey and the Dean Forest Railway (DFR) are proud to announce the official opening of the newly restored St. Mary’s footbridge in Lydney.

Mabey was responsible for the restoration of the 125-year-old Grade II listed bridge in its nearby factory in Lydney Harbour, after the bridge’s unsafe deterioration led to it being closed in 2007. The process, managed by the DFR, involved carefully dismantling and transporting the individual bridge elements to Mabey’s secure workshop, while ensuring the listed Victorian bridge elements were safely restored throughout.

The delicate restoration involved installing eleven new cast iron stair risers, deck plates and lantern finials, while the deck section’s lower chords were completely replaced. Over 470 rivets were used as part of the rebuild.

Michael Treacy, CEO, Mabey Bridge, comments: “Our Lydney factory manufactures and exports modular bridges all over the world, but to work on a project which will benefit and enhance the community we’re part of is really special. The bridge opening is a momentous occasion for Lydney’s residents, who can cross, appreciate and admire the Dean Forest Railway once again now that the bridge has been restored to its former glory.”

The footbridge was re-assembled in its original position earlier this year, and Saturday marked the official public opening to tie in with the Dean Forest Railway’s running season. The day was celebrated with a local event, involving a steam train journey from Norchard Station to the new footbridge.

Dean Forest Railway comments: “Restoration of the footbridge re-connects the footpaths between the 12^th century St. Mary’s Church and Lydney Lake, offering a truly unique viewpoint of the Dean Forest Heritage Railway. We’re delighted to see this piece of history returned to Lydney and its residents and would like to thank Mabey and the additional support we received to make the restoration possible.”

This well-supported restoration project was funded thanks to donations and funding from the Rural Development Programme for England – Rural Tourism Infrastructure Growth Programme, part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.