Footpaths across a railway line could be disrupted for approximately two years while a pedestrian bridge undergoes essential maintenance work in a West Sussex town.

The structure linking East Park and Station Way in Crawley is slated for removal, restoration, and repositioning as part of a major regeneration initiative that includes construction of over 300 apartments in the vicinity.

Crawley Borough Council planning officers have advised approval of the scheme, which involves taking down the bridge to allow off-site renovation before returning it to service in a marginally altered location to enhance pedestrian connectivity through the town centre.

While physically dismantling and later reinstalling the structure would each require roughly two days, the complete closure period is expected to extend considerably beyond that timeframe.

Off-site restoration and modernisation work is projected to need about 20 weeks to complete.

Furthermore, reinstallation cannot occur until the broader development scheme finishes, which is estimated to require two years.

The structure presently requires maintenance attention and serves as a public thoroughfare and vital walking route into the town centre from neighbourhoods situated south of the railway tracks.

The sole alternative crossing point during construction will be a level crossing located to the western side of the area.

Although the station features a newer bridge equipped with a lift system, public access is restricted and only available to those travelling by train.

The Station Gateway initiative will deliver more than 300 dwellings near Crawley Station, incorporating 83 units through redevelopment of the Overline House building positioned above the station.

Upon completion, the restored bridge will incorporate a redesigned landing area linking to newly constructed residential buildings.

The historic cast iron lattice framework of the bridge will be preserved, with necessary structural repairs and protective zinc coating applied to halt further decay.

A proposal to install ramped access to improve usability was deemed impractical, as any ramp would need to exceed 50 metres in length.

The footbridge proposals were originally intended for conditional approval in 2021, though implementation was postponed due to newly introduced water neutrality obligations.

The council’s planning committee will deliver its verdict on these proposals alongside the broader Station Gateway plans on March 30.