Tunbridge Wells - December 2003

After 18 years of disuse, the decking of this small structure, which used to carry the route across Cumberland Walk, had deteriorated so much that it had to be removed during the latter part of 2003.

At the same time as the work on the bridge was carried out, substantial new railings were put up across the trackbed leading to the site of Grove junction. To the left of the shot, it is just possible to see a wooden fence erected by one of a number of local householders who extended their gardens across the trackbed in the years after closure.

With the rotten decking now removed, the load-bearing steel beams appeared to be in surprisingly good condition, but they themselves were removed in the spring of 2004. This should not be seen as a setback to long terms plans to restore the route though, because structures of this type do not meet current standards and would have to be replaced anyway. (Grid Ref. TQ 585 385)