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Thursday 5 Nov 2020

Network Rail to start bridge replacement works at Postwick this month

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Work to replace a railway bridge in Postwick, Norfolk, will begin Monday 16 November and run through until 21 January 2021.

The bridge carries the line from Norwich to Yarmouth over Oaks lane, which will be closed throughout the works, as well as the cycle lane that runs from Oaks Lane to Postwick Park and Ride. Diversions will be in place.

The work is necessary as the old structure has come to the end of its life and a full replacement is the only way to ensure the safe running of rail services, avoiding the need for speed restrictions or the closure of the line. The new bridge structure is expected to last at least 120 years.

Network Rail's engineers will remove the rail tracks, brick work and steel girders on the existing bridge and install the beams, steel decks and retaining walls of the new bridge before reinstating the tracks.

The work was originally intended to be completed in February during the Norwich-Yarmouth-Lowestoft resignalling blockade in Feb 2020. It was delayed owing to the terrible weather conditions and the work was postponed until December.

Trains will be unable to run from 25 December until 29 December for while the main part of the work takes place. Rail replacement buses will run during the works, apart from 25 and 26 December, when there will be no service between Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “This work is essential to maintain the safe running of rail services between Norwich and Yarmouth and to maintain safety of those using the road below. We’ve planned main works over the Christmas period, when fewer people travel, to minimise disruption. Passengers are advised to check before they travel.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “Rail replacement buses will run while this work takes place, except for 25 and 26 December, when the railway line between Norwich and Great Yarmouth will be closed.

“Customers should check before they travel and allow more time for their journey. We would like to thank passengers for their patience while this work takes place.

“We are working with Network Rail to transform and modernise the railway in the region and our new trains have been running on the Wherry Lines between Norwich and Great Yarmouth since last year.”

Notes to editors

A signposted diversion will be in place via Culling's Hill/Leeder Hill, Church Road and the A1042.

The cycle lane which runs from Oaks Lane to Postwick Park and Ride will also be shut during this time.

Rail replacement buses will run during the works, apart from 25 and 26 December, when there will be no service between Norwich and Great Yarmouth.