Bridges managed by Network Rail

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Dear Network Rail Limited,

Please could you provide me with a list of all the bridges currently managed by Network Rail.

Ideally, I would like this in the form of a spreadsheet containing geographic coordinates for each bridge together with the associated ELR codes and bridge numbers.

If possible, I would also appreciate sufficient information to determine the type and usage of the bridge. For example, whether it is an under- or overbridge, and what, if any, non-rail traffic uses the bridge (eg, roads crossed by or crossing the railway). However, this is of secondary importance, and if it is not possible to provide it within the time or cost limits applicable then I am happy for this to be disregarded in order to allow the key information requested above to be provided.

Yours faithfully,

Mark Goodge

Dear Network Rail Limited,

I'm aware that you are not legally obliged to respond to Freedom of Information Requests, either at all or within the normal timescale. However, your policy of voluntarily adopting the same principles does mean that this request is now overdue for a response according to your own guidelines.

I would, therefore, appreciate a response, even if it's only to explain why the information cannot yet be provided.

Yours faithfully,

Mark Goodge

Network Rail, Network Rail Limited

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Dear Mr. Goodge,


Thank you for your request of 13 June 2013 and please accept my apologies for the delay in responding. You requested the following information:

[Part A] “Please could you provide me with a list of all the bridges currently managed by Network Rail.

Ideally, I would like this in the form of a spreadsheet containing geographic coordinates for each bridge together with the associated ELR codes and bridge numbers.

[Part B] If possible, I would also appreciate sufficient information to determine the type and usage of the bridge. For example, whether it is an under- or overbridge, and what, if any, non-rail traffic uses the bridge (eg, roads crossed by or crossing the railway). However, this is of secondary importance, and if it is not possible to
provide it within the time or cost limits applicable then I am happy for this to be disregarded in order to allow the key information requested above to be provided.”

Network Rail is not covered by the Freedom of Information Act, so we don’t deal with requests in the same way as bodies which are. Nevertheless, our focus is on proactively disclosing information as if we were bound by the Act hence we strive to adopt the same principles.

I set out below my response to your questions as part A and B.

Part A) I can confirm that Network Rail holds the information you requested. Please find the attached list of 28,451 Network Rail owned bridges – excluding footbridges and culverts – as declared to the Office of Rail Regulation at the end of Period 3 2013/14.

The data provided within the attached is current as of 24/06/13 and includes Bridge ID (Railway ID), Bridge Type and its location defined by ELR and Mileage. The dataset includes details of all Network Rail owned bridges and the type of bridge. The dataset excludes footbridges and culverts. A bridge is defined as a structure with a span of ≥ 1800mm. Bridge types included in the dataset are defined as: Overbridge (road over rail), Underbridge (road under rail), Intersection bridge (rail over rail), Viaduct (rail over various).

The data was extracted from the CARRS database on 24/06/13 and is subject to change. We cannot guarantee 100% accuracy of our OS grid references.

Part B) Unfortunately, we are unable to provide the information requested in part B as to do so would incur disproportionate costs. Currently, the cost limit for complying with a request is £450, which amounts to 18 hours of staff time. We are unable to acquire the requested information within this timescale.

I hope that this information is suitable to your needs,

Yours sincerely

Hannah Draper
Transparency Advisor
Legal Services
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
90 York Way
N1 9AG