The footbridge at South Bank Railway Station has been closed "with immediate effect" after safety concerns were raised in a recent inspection.

Earlier today (Thursday, October 10), rail services were disrupted between Middlesbrough and Saltburn due to an "unsafe footbridge" at the station. 

Northern services between Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Saltburn, and  TransPennine Express services between Manchester Airport and Saltburn have been hit by the disruption. 

Redcar and Cleveland Council has not yet said how long the footbridge - which provides access over the rail track and to the central platform that serves the eastbound line - will be shut. 

National Rail said disruption is expected until 10.39pm this evening (Thursday, October 12), adding that trains running through the station may run non-stop between Middlesbrough and Redcar Central, and not serve South Bank.

A shuttle bus has been provided between Middlesbrough and South Bank, in this direction only. 

National Rail states: "You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner.

"For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.

"You can find the pick-up and set-down location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.

"Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey."

Redcar and Cleveland Council said: "The footbridge at South Bank Station will be closed with immediate effect after safety concerns were raised from a recent inspection.

"The footbridge provides access over the rail track and also to the central platform that serves the eastbound line, which runs from Middlesbrough to Saltburn.

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"Northern has arranged alternative transport that will allow customers to travel between Middlesbrough, South Bank and Redcar Central. If you have any questions about this service, Northern can be contacted on 0800 200 6060.

"Residents are advised to allow more time for journeys, and we apologise for this inconvenience, but people’s safety must come first.

"We will be working with the engineers to determine the long-term plan for the bridge, and we will keep residents informed."