Bradford on Avon rail bridge replacement faces further delay
The long-running project was originally intended to be finished by March but is now expected to be completed by Monday, December 18.
In early November Network Rail said it was “on track” to complete the project by the end of the month but that target has not been met to the frustration of locals.
The rail infrastructure company has faced numerous problems with the project which is now eight months overdue.
Work on the replacement of the road over rail bridge in Bradford on Avon faces further delays until utilities are reconnected, the road surfaced and a wall rebuilt. Photo: Trevor Porter 70391-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)
In an update to residents, Network Rail said: “Unfortunately, we must inform you that we will not be able to open the road here at the end of this month as previously planned. Instead, the road will now open on Monday, 18 December.
“The road was scheduled to open at the end of this month after we had switched to 24-hour working in early November with the aim of finishing the project as swiftly as possible.
“However, there are still several tasks that need to be completed, including a vital utility service reconnection.
“We’re sorry for any further inconvenience this may cause you but also want to thank you for your ongoing patience as we replace the bridge here.”
The unfinished work includes utility service reinstatement, road surfacing and painting of lines and the rebuilding of a wall.
Network Rail added: “Starting from Monday, 18 December, temporary traffic management will be in place to allow traffic over the bridge while a section of the road is closed to allow Openreach to safely finish the reinstatement of cables.
“This plan has been put in place so vehicles can travel along the road. Buses will still not be able to move through the road and will be diverted via Frome Road.
“During this time, parking restrictions will be in place on both sides of the bridge.
“The pavement across the bridge and the access to St Margaret’s Place will also be open from Monday, 18 December.”
The bridge in St Margaret’s Street is being replaced owing to its poor condition, which meant that it wasn’t economical to repair and a full replacement was needed.
The replacement was originally scheduled to take six months from September 2022, with a full road closure in place throughout, alongside a partial closure of St Margaret’s Place public right of way.
However, the technical challenges encountered by the project team from Octavius unfortunately meant they have needed much longer to complete the work.
The issues that arose include the availability of specialist contractors who could divert utilities, periods of industrial action by train drivers and railway workers, the extremely cold temperatures experienced last winter, a need for redesign work, and an issue with the pouring of concrete.
The work is now anticipated to continue until December 18 and most locals will be glad when it’s finally over and the road and public right of way reopened.