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Monday 6 Nov 2006

NETWORK RAIL BUILDS BRIDGES IN LANCASHIRE

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Almost £3.5 million is being invested to strengthen three road-over-rail bridges in Fylde to bring them up to European standards. The strengthening work is being carried out on Park View Road in Lytham, The Crescent in St Annes and Station Road in Wrea Green, which are all on the Preston to Blackpool South line. The bridges have been assessed by Network Rail as part of the Bridgeguard 3 programme, which is looking at nearly 1,000 bridges in the North West to ensure they are able to carry the large commercial road vehicles now permitted on Britain’s roads under recent EU legislation. Gary Openshaw, Area General Manager said: “This is part of a massive upgrading programme which is being conducted nationally and several bridges in Lancashire have already benefited from strengthening work. These schemes could not be completed without the considerable help and cooperation of the local authorities involved. When the work is finished, it will ensure these primary routes can remain open for many years to come.” County Councillor Clive Grunshaw, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment, said: “Lancashire County Council has funded aspects of this scheme as we recognise the importance of having a road network which meets local needs. “We appreciate that there will be some disruption during these works, but would ask people to be patient. Once the works have been completed, there will be benefits to local businesses and residents, as well as the obvious safety and structural improvements.” Work on all the bridges is being carried out between November and the end of March 2007. The Crescent and Station Road bridges will be entirely funded by Lancashire County Council. Park View Road will be funded by Network Rail and Lancashire County Council. Typically, the work involves extensive brickwork repairs to the arch and side walls, including tying in dislodged bricks, replacing crumbling bricks (which have been affected by rain and frost), grouting and pointing. Once this has been done, the bridge deck will be demolished and the structure will be prepared to accept the new precast concrete beams, which will be lifted into place using a crane. Finally the new concrete bridge deck will be laid before the road surface is renewed. Once the work is complete the bridges will be able to carry up to 40 tonne vehicles. While the work is being undertaken the bridges will be open to single lane traffic, which will be controlled by traffic lights. It will also be necessary to close each bridge for a short time between the end of January and March, while some of the more complex construction work is carried out. A diversionary route will be in place, which is currently being agreed with Lancashire County Council. Where possible, temporary footbridges will be erected to enable pedestrian access to be maintained. The work will also require some weekend railway line closures and passengers are advised to contact National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 or www.nationalrail.co.uk before travelling for details of rail replacement services.