Media centre

Wednesday 30 Mar 2005

BRIDGE WORK COMPLETE AT LITTLE OXHEY LANE

Region & Route:

| Southern

A £350,000 scheme to strengthen Little Oxhey Lane bridge over the railway in South Oxhey, Watford is now complete, bringing the bridge in line with the latest European standards. The bridge re-opened to traffic as planned on Sunday 20 March, following strengthening and repair work carried out by Network Rail, in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council. 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 strengthening work at Little Oxhey Lane bridge secures its future reliability for both road and rail users in the area.” Work on site began at the end of January when the bridge was closed to ensure the safety of workers and road users. The road surface was excavated so that a reinforced concrete slab could be laid beneath it to strengthen the brick arches of the bridge. The road surface was then re-laid followed by brickwork repairs and vegetation clearance. 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 the work, but we worked closely with Hertfordshire County Council to minimise disruption.” Colin Forrester, Hertfordshire County Council’s Strategy Development Manager for Bridges,   added: "We are pleased to have completed this scheme in partnership with Network Rail, both on time and to budget.  The scheme has now removed the weight restriction that was previously required and opened up this part of the highway network."  During the road closure, Hertfordshire Highways took the opportunity to carry out a resurfacing and drainage improvement scheme in Little Oxhey Lane.  The planned delivery  of both projects at the same time minimised disruption to local residents and businesses.