Tuesday 22 May 2018
Network Rail updates Bromham Road Bridge reconstruction plans ahead of second public consultation event in Bedford
- Region & Route:
- | Eastern
As part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade, Network Rail is proposing to reconstruct Bromham Road Bridge to allow all the railway lines through Bedford to be electrified.
The formal public consultation that supports the Transport & Works Act Order application for the reconstruction work began on 10 April 2018 when the online portal allowing feedback to be shared went live and was followed by a well-attended public consultation event in Bedford on 20 April.
Following feedback from the community, a further public event takes place on Thursday 24 May between 14:00-20:00 at The Park Inn Hotel, 2 St Mary's St, Bedford MK42 0AR.
The consultation process concludes on 31 May 2018 when the online portal will close.
Since the first meeting, Network Rail has revised the temporary land requirements for the reconstruction work. Whilst some car parking at the station will still be necessary to accommodate the crane that will be used to lift sections of the bridge into place, the overall amount of the car park required has been substantially reduced. This has been achieved by minimising the size of the work site and making greater use of the existing compound near Ford End Road Bridge.
Network Rail has also confirmed that the width of the bridge deck will be increased by around 600mm which could allow more space for cyclists and pedestrians crossing the bridge.
Spencer Gibbens, principal programme sponsor for the Midland Main Line Upgrade, said: “We’d like to thank residents and businesses for their feedback so far as part of the consultation. Once complete, the Midland Main Line Upgrade will result in a better railway for the millions of people who use it every year. We’ve planned the upgrade of Bromham Road Bridge to keep disruption to a minimum, though we do apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result.”
For those unable to attend the consultation meeting, the feedback form online can be completed – visit Network Rail’s dedicated consultation portal at: consultations.networkrail.co.uk/communications/bromham-road-bridge
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