Changes

In 1978 the Board was advised that the time had come for a major refurbishment of the bridge. This began in November 1979; the work included the installation of 54 new steel beams to replace the old (rotten) transverse timber baulks which formed the decking, replacement of more than 50% of the plate-work by 6 tons of new top plate, and the replacement of 3,500 rivets by high tensile friction grip bolts. The amount of plate replaced was necessary to achieve the required structural strength for a 21 ton axle load as specified by the Railway Board. At the same time the bridge received a complete repaint using 1,200 litres of paint. The scaffolding used around 2 miles of tube and 2&frac12; miles of planking. The final cost was approximately £94,346, equivalent to almost £&frac12; million at 2015 prices. Despite adverse weather, the line was re-opened on time for Easter 1980<ref Name="SVRNews58"/>, although the winter closure meant that Santa services were moved to the north end of the line<ref>SVR News 54</ref>.

The bridge is subject to operating restrictions which means that two large engines may not work double headed over it.