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Friday 30 Jan 2015

Brighter start to the day for pedestrians using Highfield Lane footpath in Maidenhead

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Pedestrians using the footpath over the railway line at Highfield Lane in Maidenhead will notice that it is significantly brighter from today following the installation of a mural designed by pupils from Cox Green School.

Network Rail has been completing work to reconstruct the bridge at Highfield Lane to prepare it for the electrification of the railway and the arrival of a new fleet of longer, faster, quieter and greener electric trains.

Along with their contractor, J Murphy & Sons Ltd, Network Rail has developed a close working relationship with the school, located next to the bridge. In preparation for the reopening the companies worked with staff to mark the occasion by installing a mural, designed by pupils in year nine, that spans the length of the footpath.

Jim Weeden, Network Rail’s project director, said: “From the outset we sought to develop a close working relationship with the school as we were aware that a large number of staff and pupils use this bridge and footpath each day.

“While we sought to minimise disruption as much as possible, we realise that its temporary closure inconvenienced residents. We were therefore keen to work with staff and pupils to create a permanent feature that the whole community can enjoy. I have certainly been impressed by the pupils’ artistic skills.

“Now that the bridge has reopened, we are another step forward in bringing the advantages of electrification and the new electric trains to Maidenhead.”