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Wednesday 24 Aug 2016

Wightman Road bridge replacement set to reopen

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The reconstruction of Wightman Road bridge in Haringey, which runs over an important railway line connecting Gospel Oak and Barking, is almost complete and the road will reopen on Monday, 5 September.

The road has been closed to traffic since March while the bridge was reconstructed having reached the end of its designed lifespan. Network Rail, in partnership with Haringey Council and contractors Dyer & Butler have released a video highlighting the complexities involved in the bridge reconstruction.

 

Work carried out over the past six months will give the bridge a new lease of life for at least another 125 years, keeping future generations of north Londoners moving both by rail and road.

Network Rail is carrying out this work to coincide with the closure of the Gospel Oak to Barking line, which is being upgraded as part of the organisation’s Railway Upgrade Plan to provide longer, quieter and cleaner trains to benefit passengers and railway neighbours. Combining the work has allowed engineers greater access to complete the bridge replacement faster, minimising disruption for road users.  

Clive Gray, Network Rail project manager explained the challenges of the reconstruction: “Lifting in the new bridge deck was the easy part. Temporarily relocating services like gas, water and telecoms so that we could demolish the old bridge was a big challenge which took time as each provider had to do this work themselves. Now we’re on the home straight with a new bridge that will soon keep future generations of north Londoners moving both by rail and road.

“I’d like to thank the local community for their patience, especially the local schools that provided colourful artwork for our hoardings.”

Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Environment Cllr Peray Ahmet said: “I’m pleased that Network Rail have assured us that Wightman Road will re-open on 5th September, following completion of the bridge works, and grateful to everyone who has been affected by the traffic diversions for bearing with us during the closure.

“Wightman Road is vital to ensuring the smooth flow of traffic through our borough and we are committed to ensuring it is as clean and safe as possible. We are working with the local community on the Green Lanes Traffic review, which includes looking at any concerns around traffic flow in the area.”

While Wightman Road is closed, Haringey Council will make a number of improvements to the street including footway upgrades and resurfacing parts of the road.

In September the council will install CCTV near the junction with Alroy Road to better enforce a bridge weight restriction.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Gospel Oak to Barking upgrade will enable longer, quieter and cleaner trains to run from early 2018. At the moment this route is closed from South Tottenham to Barking with trains running during weekdays from Gospel Oak to South Tottenham. From Saturday 24 onwards the entire route will close completely until early February 2017.
• Follow the Gospel Oak to Barking project on Twitter @NetworkrailGOBE or visit our website at networkrail.co.uk/GOBE
• For information on alternative travel options during the Gospel Oak to Barking closure and replacement buses please search London Overground closure or visit gov.uk/london-overground-closure
• For more information from Haringey Council on the reconstruction of the Wightman Road bridge visit http://www.haringey.gov.uk/ wightman-road