Network Rail has reopened Oakham station footbridge for passengers after completing a major revamp to protect its future.

Work began in October on the £856,000 project to strengthen the bridge to make sure it remains fit for purpose. The re-opening was on Wednesday.

Teams installed scaffolding around the structure and grit blasted it to remove the old layers of paint. This meant detailed inspections could take place as well as vital repairs to the metalwork. They also installed a parapet – a protective wall along the edges of the bridge.

Then it was time for a fresh coat of red and white paint to brighten up the bridge for passengers, residents and people visiting the town. Work also took place to install improved floor surfacing across the bridge.

This work did not impact on train services and parts of the project were carried out at night to keep disruption for people using the station to a minimum. Whilst the footbridge was having its transformation, passengers could also get across to the opposite platform using the level crossing footpath next to the station.

People are urged to continue following the latest government guidance and keep journeys to a minimum.

Gary Walsh, Route Director for Network Rail's East Midlands route, said: "The transformation of the footbridge at Oakham station is amazing and the work done here will protect it for years to come.

"As well as strengthening the bridge so passengers can continue using it safely, the revamp has brightened it up for people visiting the town. We want to thank passengers for their patience whilst this vital project was carried out."

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for EMR, said: "The work on the footbridge at Oakham has greatly improved the appearance and overall look and feel to our passengers who use the station regularly.

"We would like to thank our passengers for their patience whilst Network Rail carried out this work and we are looking forward to welcoming passengers back to Oakham when the lockdown restrictions end."

Richard Morris, Regional Director for East Midlands & East Anglia, CrossCountry, said: "We are delighted that the refurbished footbridge at Oakham station is being re-opened for our customers and members of the public to use. We know how important this access route is for people to cross the line safely without delay, when the level crossing route is closed to road traffic."