Media centre

Tuesday 4 Aug 2020

Partial closures on A45 this month as Network Rail completes final stages of project to upgrade Higham Road bridge

Region & Route:

Eastern: East Midlands

Sections of the A45 in Wellingborough will be closed for several days and nights this month, whilst Network Rail carries out the final stages of work to upgrade Higham Road bridge.

Work began in February 2019 to raise the height of bridge, to allow for the safe clearance of overhead line equipment. The upcoming work will see the installation of new streetlighting and upgrades to the drainage system across the bridge. The embankments underneath the structure will also be secured, allowing safe and reliable journeys to run on the Midland Main Line for years to come.

In order for these final stages of work to be carried out safely, the following partial road closures will be in place for motorists on the A45:

• The westbound carriageway will be closed from 20:00 on Friday, 14 August until 06:00 on Monday, 17 August.
• The eastbound carriageway will be closed from 20:00 on Monday, 17 August until 06:00 on Tuesday, 18 August.
• One lane in each direction will be closed from 20:00 on Monday, 17 August until 06:00 on Friday, 21 August.

A clearly signposted diversion for drivers will be in place during these times. Train services between Wellingborough and Kettering will not be affected by the work.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail, said: “These finishing touches at Higham Road bridge are a vital part of the project, which will deliver faster, more reliable train services.

“The partial road closures which are in place this month on the A45 will allow us to complete the work, whilst minimising disruption for drivers as much as possible.

“We would like to thank motorists, residents and businesses in Wellingborough for their continued patience whilst the project to upgrade the bridge has been carried out.”

ENDS