Media centre

Thursday 10 Mar 2005

BRIDGE BOOST FOR BRENT

Region & Route:

| Eastern

A £1.2 million scheme to partially replace and strengthen Preston Road bridge over the railway in Brent is now complete, bringing the bridge in line with the latest European standards.  The bridge was re-opened to road traffic on the morning of Sunday 6 March as planned, with the original road width restored to 10 metres after strengthening work.  Two traffic lanes are now open, while work to re-divert water, gas and electrical cables through the bridge will continue to the end of March.  Robbie Burns, Network Rail Route Director, said: “Network Rail is committed to investing in its assets to ensure the safety and reliability of the country’s railway. The reconstruction work at Preston Road bridge secures its future reliability for both road and rail users in the area.” Work on the site began early in the New Year and the bridge was closed to traffic from the end of January to ensure the safety of workers and road users.  A section of the bridge was then completely demolished and rebuilt over two weekends in February, with additional work needed at weeknights following adverse weather conditions.    Robbie Burns added: “I would like to thank both road and rail users and also local residents for their patience while this essential job was carried out.  A full road closure was necessary for the duration of work, but every effort was taken to minimise disruption.”