Local residents invited to drop-in event about the reconstruction of Stratton Green bridge

Wednesday 10 Sep 2014

Local residents invited to drop-in event about the reconstruction of Stratton Green bridge

Region & Route:: | Wales & Western: Western; | Wales & Western

Members of the public are invited to attend a drop-in event to find out more about the reconstruction of Stratton Green bridge in Swindon.

The event will take place between 4pm and 7pm on Tuesday 16 September at the leisure centre on Grange Drive in Stratton St Margaret. Members of the Network Rail project team will be on hand throughout to explain the work being undertaken and to answer any questions.

Network Rail is reconstructing the bridge as part of its major scheme to electrify the railway between London and Cardiff. The rebuilt bridge will be higher, creating the additional space needed for the overhead lines to power a new fleet of faster, quieter and greener electric trains to run underneath.

Work on the bridge will start on 10 November, with a road closure in place from 17 November for approximately 20 weeks. Throughout this time, pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to access the bridge.

Andrew Haynes, project director for Network Rail, said: “Electrification will bring huge benefits to the region, and together with a fleet of new trains, will improve journey times and make services more comfortable, smoother, and quieter for passengers and people living near the railway.

“We understand that this temporary closure could inconvenience those who live and work in the area and so we are holding this drop-in event to enable the public to find out more about the work and to answer their questions.”

The diversion route agreed with Swindon Borough Council during the temporary closure is as follows: Drakes Way – Ocotal Way – Great Western Road roundabout – Cirencester Way - Gypsy Lane - Bridge End Road.

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/

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

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Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Network Rail press office -Western route
MediaRelationsWestern@networkrail.co.uk

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