Network Rail has today begun work to improve reliability on a railway bridge in Limpley Stoke, which will affect local traffic and buses.
Repairs will take place to the bridge over Winsley Hill which carries the railway from Bath to Bradford-on-Avon. The work, from Monday 21 July to Sunday 31 August, is needed to ensure rail services can continue to operate over the bridge for decades to come.
New steelwork will be installed on the underside of the bridge to spread the weight of trains running over it. It will be grit-blasted, repainted and anti-collision markings will be added.
For the project to be completed safely and efficiently, no traffic can travel under the railway bridge and a diversion will be clearly signposted. Pedestrian access will remain open, with some exceptions to allow certain tasks to be completed safely.
Buses between Bath and Bradford-on-Avon, via Winsley village, will be diverted and alternative arrangements will be in place.
Network Rail lead portfolio manager Vaheesan Maheswaran said:
“This is our latest piece of work to make sure trains can continue to travel safely and reliably across the hundreds of bridges on the Western route.
“We’re sorry to cause disruption to the local community but our work is essential to keep trains running smoothly and reliably.
“We’ve worked with Wiltshire Council to provide free shuttle bus services throughout the duration of this work. Timetables for these services are available at local bus stops.”
Image credit: Network Rail
