Monday 16 May 2016
Benhar bridge demolition back on track
- Region & Route:
- Scotland’s Railway: Scotland
Network Rail has announced a revised programme of work for the demolition and reconstruction of the railway bridge at Benhar Road, in Shotts.
The demolition of the bridge was scheduled to take place in March 2016, but had to be postponed due to a third-party delay in diverting water utilities which cross the structure.
The work will now take place from 20:00 on Saturday, May 21, until 08:00 on Monday, May 23. The demolition will require 24-hour working to take down the bridge and remove the rubble from the tracks ahead of re-opening the line for passenger services.
Work to reconstruct the bridge will immediately follow with a series of night-shifts to crane in and install pre-cast concrete beams which form the main structure of the new bridge.
The reconstruction of the bridge ensures that when the carriage way is reinstated, it will be wider; suitable for two-way HGV traffic with pedestrian footpaths on both sides, and will also enable the removal of the traffic lights.
A Network Rail spokesman said: “The demolition and reconstruction of this bridge is a significant step towards delivering the electrification of the railway through Shotts by 2019 and will also have benefits for pedestrians and road-users.
“Unfortunately an issue with the diversion of utilities caused delays to the demolition, but we are doing everything we can to accelerate the project – working day and night to complete the new bridge as quickly as possible.
“We appreciate there will be some disruption as a result of this work and we’d like to thank the public for their ongoing patience and support as we deliver this important strategic investment in Scotland's Railway.”
A diversion will be in place throughout the bridge closure and roadside information signs will be erected to highlight the road closure and diversion route. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the work.
Benhar Road is expected to re-open under temporary traffic light control by the end of June. The work will be completed and the road fully-reopened by mid-July.
For further information on the work email shottslineelectrification@networkrail.co.uk follow on twitter @ShottsLineElec or call 03457 11 41 41
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