Project Overview

G&B Civil Engineering was appointed by Nexus to deliver the refurbishment of the historic footbridge at Whitley Bay Metro Station, one of the most recognisable stations on the Tyne and Wear Metro network. Serving as a vital pedestrian route for commuters, residents and visitors, the bridge forms an important part of the station's historic railway environment. The project required a careful balance between preserving the structure's heritage character and delivering the modern upgrades needed to improve safety, durability and long-term performance. Working within a live operational railway environment, our team delivered a comprehensive refurbishment programme that addressed structural deterioration, enhanced passenger infrastructure and extended the service life of this important community asset.

Client:

Nexus

Project Value:

Confidential

Completion Date:

June 2026

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Restoring a Historic Railway Landmark While Keeping the Metro Moving

G&B Civil Engineering

•

June 26, 2026

Infrastructure assets such as station footbridges play a critical role in keeping communities connected. However, many historic railway structures are reaching an age where significant investment is required to maintain safety, accessibility and reliability.

This project demonstrates how complex refurbishment works can successfully preserve heritage assets while bringing them up to modern standards. By extending the lifespan of the structure rather than replacing it, Nexus was able to protect an important piece of local railway heritage, minimise disruption to passengers and maximise long-term value from existing infrastructure.

For G&B Civil Engineering, the project showcases our ability to safely deliver technically demanding structural and rail-related works within live operational environments, while coordinating multiple stakeholders, specialist contractors and heritage considerations.

Scope of Works

The refurbishment involved a wide range of structural, civil engineering and railway infrastructure works, including:

Detailed condition surveys and laser scanning
Temporary works design and scaffold installation over a live railway
Steelwork grit blasting and application of a marine-grade protective coating system
Structural steel strengthening and splice repairs
Installation of a new GRP bridge deck and staircase components
Replacement parapet cladding, framing and anti-vandal polycarbonate panels
Installation of bird netting and mesh infill systems
Concrete, masonry and timber repairs
Vegetation removal and repointing works
Installation of new data cabling and associated infrastructure
Replacement doors and updated wayfinding signage

Overcoming the Challenges

Delivering Works Within a Live Metro Environment

Maintaining passenger safety and minimising disruption to Metro services was a key priority throughout the project.

Working closely with Nexus, our team developed a detailed delivery strategy that aligned construction activities with engineering possessions, Control of Line (COL) access requirements and overhead line equipment (OLE) isolations. Through proactive planning, regular stakeholder coordination and strict adherence to rail safety procedures, works progressed safely while allowing the station to remain operational.

Complex Scaffold Installation Adjacent to Overhead Line Equipment

One of the most technically demanding aspects of the project involved installing a full-height scaffold in close proximity to live overhead line equipment.

To safely manage the risks associated with induced voltages, the scaffold structure was connected to a Voltage Limiting Device (VLD), which was installed and connected to the running rail by specialist rail contractors. The scaffold was fully earthed, supported by detailed temporary works design, specialist risk assessments and continuous monitoring throughout installation. All works were completed during planned possessions under carefully controlled conditions, ensuring the safety of both the workforce and the operational railway.

Preserving a Historic Railway Structure

As a heritage asset, retaining the bridge's original character was a fundamental project requirement.

Rather than adopting a replacement-led approach, we focused on preserving and repairing existing structural elements wherever possible. By combining traditional repair techniques with modern materials and protective systems, we were able to improve durability and performance while respecting the bridge's historic appearance and significance.

Responding to Unforeseen Structural Deterioration

As refurbishment works progressed, detailed inspections revealed additional structural deterioration that had not been visible during initial surveys.

Working collaboratively with Nexus and the wider design team, we rapidly developed engineered repair solutions and coordinated additional strengthening works. This proactive approach allowed us to address emerging issues efficiently, maintain programme momentum and ensure the structure met modern performance standards.

The Outcome

Through careful planning, technical expertise and close collaboration with Nexus and specialist delivery partners, G&B Civil Engineering successfully refurbished one of the Metro network's important heritage structures.

The completed project has significantly extended the operational lifespan of the footbridge, improved passenger safety and accessibility, and enhanced the overall appearance of Whitley Bay Metro Station.

Despite the complexities of working within a live railway environment and on a historic structure, the project was delivered safely and efficiently through strong partnership working and a shared commitment to quality. The refurbished bridge now provides a more resilient, future-ready pedestrian route while preserving an important piece of the North East's railway heritage for generations to come.