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Friday 10 May 2019

Fylde coast bridge reopens after successful £2.2m renovation project

Region & Route:

North West & Central

A major road bridge which spans the railway between Preston and Blackpool South has reopened following a four month rebuilding project.

Today (Friday 10 May), Councillor Sue Fazackerley, leader of Fylde Borough Council, officially reopened Highbury Road bridge after Network Rail completed its major overhaul.

The work, as part of the Great North Rail Project, began in January and involved replacing the 1930s structure with a new bridge consisting of 27 pre-cast concrete sections.

The strengthened modern structure will make the railway crossing safer, more reliable and in need of less maintenance in future.

Councillor Sue Fazackerley, leader of Fylde Borough Council, said: "We have really missed the ability to use this road bridge but fully appreciate the necessity for the work to be undertaken. It will ease the congestion around other road bridges in this vicinity, especially at peak times. From a personal viewpoint, I cross the railway bridge at least twice a day and eagerly anticipated its re-opening!"

Eddie Haddad, programme engineering manager for Network Rail, said: “Highbury Road bridge has been rebuilt as part of a £2.2m Great North Rail Project investment that will help to future proof the rail network in Lancashire.

“We are very grateful to motorists, passengers and the local community for their patience while this vital work was completed.”

Network Rail has worked closely with its contractor, Story Contracting Limited, to deliver the improvement work considerately and by keeping local people informed as the work progressed.