Branch line closed for repairs

THE Henley branch line will be closed from August 14 to 17 for rail replacement work at Shiplake by Network Rail.

An hourly bus replacement service will run between Henley and Twyford via Shiplake and Wargrave.

The installation of a new track will also require the closure of the level crossing at Shiplake.

Vehicle and pedestrian access will be unavailable from Bolney Road, Basmore Lane and Lashbrook Road to the village and the A4155 and vice versa.

Vehicles will have to use Bolney Lane, off Bolney road, to access the village and the A4155.

Pedestrian crossing access over the track at the end of Northfield Road, to and from the Thames Path on to Bolney Road, should be available subject to limited control by Network Rail.

Network Rail has made arrangements with the Schwarzenbach estate for emergency vehicles to use the access through their grounds to Bolney Road during the closure.

Temporary improvements to Bolney Lane are being considered to aid the diversion and arrangements for waste collection will be scheduled for later in the week.

The works have been scheduled to take place during what is expected to be the quietest holiday time of the year, to avoid Henley Royal Regatta, Henley Festival, Rewind and the Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta.

Residents of the roads most affected were briefed several weeks ago and those living close to the branch line have been contacted by Network Rail this week with more details of the timescale of the complete project works.