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Monday 5 Jul 2021

A6003 reopens as Network Rail continues with final stage of Manton bridge reconstruction

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Midlands

The A6003 in Rutland, which links Oakham and Uppingham, has reopened following major work on a £2.8million project to fully reconstruct Manton bridge.

Network Rail began work on a project to replace the railway bridge, which was over 150 years old, in April. The newer, stronger one – weighing around 425 tonnes - was installed last month.

The road had been closed since 12 April to allow the work to take place safely and it was due to reopen today. Teams made excellent progress on the project, meaning the A6003 could open yesterday afternoon (Sunday 4 July).

The final stage of the project, which involves further brickwork and stonework, will now continue until the end of July, before the site compounds are removed. Traffic lights will be in place for a further two weeks.

Gary Walsh, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Midlands route, said: “Our teams have made major progress on the project to upgrade Manton bridge and we’re pleased to reopen the A6003 slightly earlier than planned.

“We want to thank drivers, as well as residents and businesses in the community, for their continued patience over the last three months. This vital work could only be carried out safely whilst the road was closed.

“We’re now continuing with the final stages of the project so that people can use the road and railway safely for future generations.”

ENDS