AN HISTORIC bell located at the top of Runcorn’s 150-year-old Britannia railway bridge has been removed by helicopter ahead for restoration.
The navigation bell, which used to sound in foggy weather to warn approaching ships of the viaduct’s location, was removed in mid-June as part of the £6million restoration of the viaduct. It is being restored to mark the bridge’s 150th anniversary in October.
Because of the height and location of the bell, 100ft above the water, a helicopter was the only option to safely remove the historic item.
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Once restored, the redundant bell will be displayed at the Brindley Theatre in Runcorn to commemorate the vital role it played in helping ships safely navigate across the Manchester Ship Canal.
Since October 2017, Network Rail has been strengthening, waterproofing and refurbishing the bridge’s timber, steel and brick structures.
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