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Friday 16 Feb 2007

BOLTON BRIDGE SCHEMES COMPLETED ON TIME

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Two bridge schemes in Bolton, that will deliver long-term benefits to local people, have been successfully completed on time and on budget by Network Rail. King William IV bridge, which carries the Bolton to Blackburn line over Chapeltown Road, was refurbished during an £800,000 scheme. The project began in December and has now been completed. Jo Kaye, Area General Manager said: “There are 15,000 structures in the north west and they all require maintenance to ensure the safe running and future of the line they serve. This work was essential to ensure this busy commuter route could remain open for many years to come. “We appreciate these schemes have been slightly disruptive for passengers and local people while they have been on-going and we would like to thank them for their patience.” The bridge consisted of two deck spans, the first was operational but the second was redundant. The scheme involved removing both spans and reconstructing the operational span by replacing the deck. Network Rail has also spent £332,000 on refurbishing a footbridge that is situated between Bromley Cross and Entwistle stations and provides safe access across the line for residents. Under the scheme the refurbishment work included replacing lattices and some of the other metalwork, grit blasting the structure and re-painting it. All the old timber steps, landings and deck were replaced and anti-slip surfacing was attached to the steps.