Seven-week plan to 'pigeon proof' Shrewsbury railway bridges
A number of railway bridges in Shrewsbury are being 'pigeon proofed' as part of a seven-week plan to help improve the town centre.
Network Rail is carrying out the work on Castle Foregate Railway Bridge and surrounding bridges to help provide a safer and more hygienic environment for people in the town.
Pigeon droppings can damage structures and cause a slippery surface that can lead to trips and falls.
On the Castle Foregate bridge, Shropshire Council and Network Rail, which owns the bridge, have agreed a joint solution to the problem which will see special netting installed under the bridge and above the pavement. The bridge will also be cleaned.
The project continues until the end of April, with work taking place overnight to minimise disruption to road users.
Work has already taken place on Red Lion Bridge and Great Western Bridge, and will begin on Castle Foregate Street, causing a lane closure, from Wednesday.
Workers will be on site from 10pm-6am until April 2.
Protecting
From Monday April 19 to Friday April 23, work will be carried out on Cross Street, causing a road closure, from 10pm-6am.
Daniel Brookfield, asset engineer at Network Rail, said: “Working alongside Shropshire Council, we are looking to resolve the long-standing issue of pigeon mess under the bridges at Castle Foregate and the surrounding area.
“This work will make a real difference for local residents and visitors to Shrewsbury as well as protecting our historic railway bridges for future generations.”
Tim Pritchard, Shrewsbury programme manager with Shropshire Council, said: “We’re all too aware of the problems caused by pigeon droppings on the pavement under the railway bridge and we know it has long been a cause of concern for visitors to the town centre.
“Over the years a number of measures have been taken to try and prevent pigeons from roosting under the bridge, though with limited success. Now, working with Network Rail, we’re confident that we’ve found a solution that will put an end to this problem – which I know will be welcomed by many people.”
Network Rail teams said they aware that work will be happening close to people’s homes and will minimise disruption as much as possible.
