Network Rail to Refurbish Key Brunel-Era Structures in the South West

Network Rail is set to begin restoration work this month on two historic railway features in the South West, both originally designed by renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The projects will focus on the Grade II listed footbridge in Sydney Gardens, Bath, and the eastern entrance to Box Tunnel near Corsham—both significant examples of early railway engineering.

The Sydney Gardens footbridge, constructed in the early 1840s, is the last remaining cast iron bridge of its type on the Great Western Main Line. Located within one of the UK’s oldest Georgian pleasure gardens, it is widely regarded as an important piece of Victorian heritage.

Over the coming weeks, the structure will undergo extensive refurbishment. Planned works include surface cleaning through grit blasting, repairs to both metal and stone elements, repainting, and the installation of a new timber deck.

To support the works, a designated site compound will be established within an existing council area in Sydney Gardens from 13 April. The bridge itself will be fully enclosed during the project to minimise impact on the surrounding park.

At the same time, attention will turn to the eastern portal of Box Tunnel—another Grade II listed structure and a key part of Brunel’s original railway design. Engineers will carry out inspections and necessary repairs to preserve its condition.

Scaffolding for both sites will be installed during scheduled rail closures between Bath Spa and Chippenham across two weekends in April and May. These closures will also allow for additional maintenance, including track upgrades at Bathford and drainage improvements near Corsham.

Network Rail said coordinating the heritage work alongside other planned engineering activities would help reduce disruption for passengers.

Dan Parkes, principal portfolio manager at Network Rail, described the structures as irreplaceable elements of the railway’s history, adding that maintaining them is both an obligation and an opportunity to safeguard Brunel’s legacy.

Local heritage group Friends of Sydney Gardens also welcomed the restoration. The organisation, which has long campaigned for improvements to the park and its historic features, said it was pleased to see investment secured for the bridge.

The group highlighted the significance of the site, noting that Sydney Gardens is the only remaining Grade II listed pleasure garden of its kind in the UK, and emphasised the importance of preserving it for future generations.