Media centre

Friday 6 Sep 2013

Major bridge improvement work in Cannock

Region & Route:

Motorists using Old Hednesford Road in Cannock should allow extra time for their journeys for the next two months as Network Rail undertakes a major project to repair and improve a bridge repeatedly hit by oversize vehicles. As a result, the bridge will be closed to vehicles with a diversionary route in place.

An incident in 2010 significantly weakened the bridge and over the next two months, Network Rail engineers will be undertaking a programme of repairs and strengthening work, as well as giving the bridge a new coat of paint.

Nichola Smith, project manager for Network Rail, commented: “The work at Old Hednesford Road is essential to safeguard rail services along the Cannock Line and we’ve worked closely with the local authority to minimise disruption to motorists as much as possible. Despite the bridge being clearly marked, it has a history of being struck by oversize vehicles, so the work we will be completing will reduce the risk of a bridge strike and also increase the strength of the bridge causing less disruption in future.”

Old Hednesford Road will be closed between the intersection with the roundabout and Crab Lane for two months from Monday 9 September to Friday 9 November. Network Rail has worked with Staffordshire County Council to agree a clearly signposted diversionary route via Eastern Way (A460), Lichfield Road (A5190) and Old Hednesford Road (A4601).

The bridge will remain open for pedestrian access throughout the project.