Media centre

Tuesday 2 Feb 2016

Bristol residents reminded about the closure of Easton Road bridge for electrification preparation work

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Bristol residents are reminded that Easton Road bridge will be temporarily closed next week to enable Network Rail to carry out essential preparations for electrifying the railway ahead of the arrival of a new fleet of electric trains.

Network Rail’s ‘orange army’ will be reconstructing the bridge as part of the company’s Railway Upgrade Plan, to create the additional space needed for the overhead electrification equipment that will power a new fleet of longer, faster, quieter and greener electric trains to run underneath.

To minimise disruption for the local community while the reconstruction takes place, a temporary bridge has been built. During the nine-week closure, starting on Monday 8 February, the team will be diverting utility services from the existing bridge onto the temporary bridge in preparation for the reconstruction later this year.

Andy Haynes, Network Rail’s project director for the west of England, said: “In completing this essential improvement work, we have minimised disruption as much as possible by building a temporary bridge and using single lane working while we divert the utility services. However, we have now reached a stage in the project where a full road closure is required and I would like to thank residents in advance for their patience and understanding.

“This improvement work will pave the way for electrification of the railway and the benefits this will bring for the local community. These include faster trains with more seats and more legroom, less noise and improved air quality for those who live close to the railway.”

The diversionary route during the temporary closure is as follows: Easton Road – Lawrence Hill – Russell Town Avenue.

The dates for the reconstruction of the bridge will be advertised in due course.

ENDS

Notes to editors

About the Great Western Electrification Programme:

Electrification will transform the railway between London and Oxford, Newbury, Bristol and Cardiff to deliver a faster, greener, quieter and more reliable railway for passengers, with extra capacity. Electrifying this part of the Great Western route will enhance 235 miles of one of Britain’s busiest and oldest railways, better connecting major towns and cities across southern England and South Wales. This investment, as well as the introduction of a fleet of new trains, will improve journey times and make services more comfortable, smoother, cleaner and quieter for passengers and people living near the railway.

For more information about the Great Western Electrification Programme, visit: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-route-modernisation/

Members of the public with any questions about the work can call Network Rail’s 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41.