The footbridge at March rail station will be shut until the end of July after it was closed five weeks ago for essential maintenance work.

Work started five weeks ago to make way for new non-slip surface steps and a repaint of the bridge in heritage colours along with a range of platform improvements.

It has meant that if passengers need to cross the line they must do it by walking along Station Road and hope the barrier gates have not gone down preventing them from getting to their train.

Abellio Greater Anglia’s Area Customer Service Manager, Paul Stannard, said, “This significant programme of work at March station will result in a safer, smarter and more pleasant station environment for our customers.

“I would like to thank them in advance for their patience while the footbridge is closed for repairs. Abellio Greater Anglia is committed to upgrading stations across the network to make customers’ journeys better.”

The work includes refurbishing buildings at the station, which was opened in 1847, platforms and footbridge and includes a complete refurbishment of the footbridge with new, non-slip surfaces and repainting in heritage colours.

The slabs at the platform edge are being replaced as are tactiles which are the contoured slabs near the platform edge.

Also being done to the platform are repairs to the surface and improved drainage.

Repairs are being carried out to the exterior and interior of the station buildings, with repairs to windows and doors, re-pointing of brickwork and replacing damaged bricks.

A spokesman said the work began at the end of March and is expected to be completed “later in the Spring.”