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Monday 11 Oct 2004

BECCLES RAILWAY BRIDGE GETS £400,000 INVESTMENT

Region & Route:

| Southern

St George’s Road railway bridge in Beccles, Suffolk, is to benefit from £400,000 of structural improvements, improving the reliability of the bridge for road and rail users in the area. Work will be carried out over a nine-week period, starting Monday 18 October 2004.  Jon Wiseman, Network Rail Route Director, said: “We are committed to making sure Britain’s rail network, including bridges like this one in Beccles, is safe and reliable.  This large investment, and extensive strengthening work, will bring long-term benefits to people using the roads and railway in this part of Suffolk.” St George’s Road will be closed to traffic for the duration of the work, which has been planned in close partnership with Suffolk County Council.  Vehicles will be diverted via the level crossing on Ingate (see map below for details) and alternative routes will be clearly signposted.  Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout this period. Network Rail has been in close contact with local residents to provide details of the forthcoming work, which will ensure the 150-year-old bridge conforms to the latest European safety standards.   Jon Wiseman added: “The project involves the use of heavy equipment – including a large crane – which means that, for safety reasons, traffic has to be diverted away from the bridge while work is carried out.  We have worked closely with Suffolk County Council to minimise the disruption caused, and would like to thank road users in advance for their patience while this essential work is carried out.” During the nine-week project, specialist bridge contractors will use a large crane to remove the central bridge beams, which will be replaced by concrete slabs.