Friday 25 Oct 2019
Greenock street to close for vital rail bridge refurbishment
- Region & Route:
- Scotland’s Railway: Scotland
Dellingburn Street in Greenock will close for 20 weeks from Monday November 11 while Network Rail engineers carry out work to repair and strengthen the railway bridge over the B788.
The refurbishment of the bridge is part of a wider, rolling programme of maintenance work on structures which is designed to extend their lifespan and keep the network safe and reliable. It represents and investment of almost £1m to protect and prolong the life of the bridge.
Work on the bridge, near Morrisons in the town, includes improving the drainage and clearing adjacent vegetation, strengthening girders, repairing masonry, blast cleaning and repairing the metalwork, applying corrosion protection and painting.
To deliver this work safely and efficiently, the road needs to close to enable Network Rail to erect scaffolding and deliver work on the structure. Pedestrian and cycle access will be maintained throughout the road closure.
In addition to the disruption to the road network, there will be two weekends in January where the railway will be closed from close of service on Friday night until start of service on Monday morning to enable 54 hour continuous working. Buses will replace trains on the weekends of the 4th/5th and 11th/12th January.
Jeremy Spence, Network Rail programme manager, said: “We know that Dellingburn Street is a busy road and an important route for local traffic and we do not take the decision to request its closure lightly.
“We understand the impact that this potentially will have for both road users and those communities adjacent to the bridge works. However, this is the most efficient and safest way to undertake the work required on the bridge.
“Delivering this work in just 20 weeks is a logistical challenge but we have planned the job carefully with our contractors and will complete it with the minimum possible inconvenience to the local community.”
Network Rail has worked with Inverclyde Council to put in place an appropriate ‘all vehicle’ diversion and all local access has been retained either side of the bridge to industrial units and the near-by supermarket.
If you have any questions about this work you can contact Network Rail’s 24 hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41. For latest information and progress updates follow on twitter @NetworkRailScot
Notes to Editors
In advance of the full road closure, Network Rail will undertake enabling works to maintain safe access to Carnock Street and to Morrisons supermarket during the work. This will require lane closures on Dellingburn street on approach to, and through the railway bridge.
Lane restrictions will be in place from Monday 4th until Monday 11th November when the full road closure will be in place.
An ‘All vehicle’ diversion route is place throughout the road closure. It runs via Regent Street / Sir Michael Street / High Street / Dalrymple Street and Rue End Street.
An ‘All vehicle’ diversion route is required to accommodate the largest vehicles which normally use the closed road. However, other streets may be appropriate for smaller vehicles.
Buses will replace trains over two consecutive weekends in January to enable work that cannot be done while trains are running . Work will begin after close of service on Friday 3rd and Friday 10th of January. Engineers will then work continuously 24-7 before the line re-opens for normal service on Monday 6th and 13th January. ScotRail will provide details on alternative bus arrangements closer to the time.
Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
Journalists
Network Rail press office - Owen Campbell
NR Press Office 0141 555 4108 / 07515 617073
Owen.Campbell1@networkrail.co.uk
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