Monday 14 May 2012
BUMPER BRIDGE DELIVERY FOR ESK VALLEY
- Region & Route:
Passengers on the Esk Valley line will be travelling over four new bridges after Network Rail completes major improvement works over the half-term holiday.
The work will see engineers working around the clock to replace Danby, Duck, Thorneywaite and Carr End bridges on the line between Middlesbrough and Whitby.
Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “This route is vital for hundreds of children who use the train to travel to school each day. After considerable discussion with Northern Rail it was clear these essential improvements needed to be scheduled for the school holidays in order to minimise disruption.
“This decision to schedule the works during the jubilee weekend was not taken lightly. These bridges are nearing the end of their life and need to be replaced. Network Rail has already given an undertaking that substantial engineering works of this kind will not be scheduled during the Olympics. The autumn and winter school holidays are not suitable as large cranes are required to lift the bridges which cannot operate in bad weather.
“We are doing everything possible to complete the works in a timely way to keep disruption to an absolute minimum.”
Northern Rail trains on the Middlesbrough to Whitby line will be disrupted for nine days from Saturday 2nd June. All other works are being completed while trains are running.
Richard Allan, area director for Northern Rail, said: “We hope that our passengers on the Esk Valley line will appreciate the work Network Rail is undertaking in June. The route is a crucial link for the local community and the work being done will ensure it will continue to provide not only a safe rail service between Whitby and Middlesbrough but also a reliable one, for years to come.”
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway will run additional services to Whitby during the bridge replacements as they operate on a different route. Service information is available from NYMR - 01751 472508, visit www.nymr.co.uk
Notes to editors
The bridges will be replaced in pairs to maximise use of resources and complete as much work as possible in the shortest timeframe. Danby and Duck bridge are one package and Thorneywaite and Carr End are the other.
The package of work is worth approximately £2.1m and will make sure the bridges are fit for purpose for many years, allowing a safe, reliable rail service.
Large Rail cranes (Kirow 1200) will be used to remove the existing bridge decks and install the new steelwork. All of the main bridge elements will be transported to site by rail.
Some road closures are required on Carr Lane in Glaisdale:
Single lane closure (controlled by traffic lights) 0700 – 1800 21 – 27 May
Full closure to road traffic 0700 29 May – 1800 17 June
Single lane closure (controlled by traffic lights) 0700 – 1800 18 June – 24 June
A pedestrian route will be maintained throughout the works
Contact information
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03457 11 41 41
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01904 383180
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