 Nexus invited local school children along to open its new footbridge at Felling Metro station in Gateshead. Children from the nursery class at Brandling Primary School in Felling were invited to cut the ribbon and officially declare the new bridge open. The bridge, complete with ramped access to the island platform and ramped access for the first time from Mulberry Street, has replaced the old iron and timber footbridge that dated back to 1894. Network Rail has shared the total project cost, as the bridge spans not only the Metro line but the busy rail line between Newcastle Central and Heworth. As part of the project, ownership of the bridge has passed from Network Rail to Nexus. Director of Rail and Infrastructure for Nexus, Ken Mackay, said: “The new footbridge will significantly improve access to the station and across the railway for people living in Felling for many years to come.” Felling ward councillor, Paul McNally, said: “The new footbridge looks great and I was delighted to see local youngsters invited to the opening. The Metro is a vital part of the local community so I'm pleased that the access to Felling station has been dramatically improved.” Head teacher at Brandling Primary School, Maggie Mitford, said: “Our nursery building overlooks the Metro line and the children have watched the construction of the new bridge. They were so excited to be there. “All the children from Brandling Primary School are regular users of the station as the children take part in many visits connected to their learning and find the Metro a safe and convenient way of travelling around the region. “The timing of the opening was ideal as it enabled our nursery teachers her to remind the children about safety around the Metro line during the forthcoming summer holiday.” Felling stands on what can claim to be the oldest commuter railway in Britain – opened in 1838 following the current alignment between Gateshead Stadium and Brockley Whins stations. The old footbridge, which has now been removed, was built in 1894 with a timber deck suspended between wrought iron lattice girders. In 1971 a ramp was provided to the station below. A recent survey found the ironwork on the bridge had corroded over the decades, meaning it had to be replaced. The photograph shows children from the nursery class from Brandling Primary School in Felling with the Ward Councillor Paul McNally about to cut the ribbon. Also pictured are the two nursery teachers from Brandling Primary School and Nexus Project Engineer Kevin Skelton.
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