A railway bridge at Postwick in Norfolk is to be replaced as the old structure has come to the end of its life and a full replacement is the only way to ensure the safe running of rail services, avoiding the need for speed restrictions or closure of the line. The new bridge structure is expected to last at least 120 years.
The bridge carries the line from Norwich to Yarmouth over Oaks Lane, which will be closed throughout the works, as well as the cycle lane that runs from Oaks Lane to Postwick Park and Ride. Diversions will be in place.
Engineers will remove the rail tracks, brick work and steel girders on the existing bridge and install the beams, steel decks and retaining walls of the new bridge before reinstating the tracks.
The work was originally intended to be completed in February during the Norwich-Yarmouth-Lowestoft resignalling blockade in Feb 2020. Delayed owing to the terrible weather conditions it will now begin on Monday 16 November and run through until 21 January 2021.
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “This work is essential to maintain the safe running of rail services between Norwich and Yarmouth and to maintain safety of those using the road below.
“We’ve planned main works over the Christmas period, when fewer people travel, to minimise disruption.
“Passengers are advised to check before they travel.”
Be the first to comment