Southwark Street rail bridges: phase one completed
Lighting and public art in preparation
The refurbishment works to both bridges are now complete. The bridges have been cleaned, painted, and pigeon proofing has been installed over the footways. There are some issues with leakage in specific areas, particularly under the East bridge. Southwark Council has taken this up with Network Rail.
Since the repainting there has been once incident of graffiti on the East bridge. Again the Council has asked Network Rail to look at measures which could be taken to prevent future occurrences.
The project now moves into the second phase, which includes the installation of lighting. The Council has agreed with Transport for London that roof mounted fittings would be most appropriate. Transport for London has indicated that the lighting will be installed at the western bridge in April/May time followed by the Eastern Bridge.
Feature lighting to uplight the fascias of both bridges is being considered. Southwark Council lighting engineers have fitted two sample lamps at the Eastern Bridge, one a white light and one with a blue filter. The white light appears most effective.
Design work for the enamel panelling which will form the artwork under the West Bridge has been progressing over the past few months. The design has now been approved by Network Rail following advice and agreement from Southwark Coujncil. Blank sample panels have been trialled on site.
Artist Ian Davenport is now in Germany at Omeras vitreous enamel company undertaking the painting of the panels. Each panel will measure 2.9 metres in height and 1 metre wide. Ian is painting each panel by pouring the enamel paint, allowing it to dry before it is put through a dryer and then fired. Ian will be in Germany until the end of May when the 48 panels for the project will be complete along with 12 spare panels in case of damage or vandalism once in situ.
The programme for installation on site in from June until August. It is envisaged that the artwork installation will be possible by closing only 2 metres of the footpath leaving 1m open for pedestrians. Lighting for the artwork is being progressed by Council lighting engineers. The aim is to provide a floodlight white and continuous light mounted from the soffit of the bridge.
A significant publicity campaign is planned ahead of the launch event in September. This will include the production of leaflets, a possible poster competition for schools and other linked events.
Better Bankside will provide regular washing and cleaning of the surfaces under the bridges to include graffiti removal and the cleaning the installation as necessary. Better Bankside will also clean the darkened concrete side panels of Sampson House that add to the current gloomy appearance of the bridge at the western end of the street.
Southwark
Council's Bankside regeneration page
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourServices/RegenerationSection/banksideimprovements/
Ian Davenport
http://www.artfacts.net/index.php/pageType/artistInfo/artist/2961
