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Thursday 19 Aug 2004

NEW BRIDGE FOR NEASHAM ROAD

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Network Rail engineers will be working around the clock this bank holiday to replace a rail over road bridge at Neasham Road, Darlington. The current bridge is nearing the end of its useful life and will be replaced with a new steel structure and concrete deck. An 800 tonne crane will be used to lift the new structure into place.  Neasham Road bridge is prone to being hit by road vehicles, which can result in not only damage to the structure but also delays to both rail and road users while engineers ensure the bridge is safe for traffic.  Therefore engineers will also install separate collision beams, which will take any impact in the event of a ‘bridge bash’ thereby protecting the structure.  In order to replace the bridge it will be necessary to close the railway line from 23.45 Friday 27 to 05.45 on Monday 30 August.  A replacement bus service will operate between Darlington and Middlesbrough to ensure customers can get to their destination.  For further information passengers should contact Arriva Trains Northern Customer helpline on 0870 6023322. Neasham Road will be closed from 20.00 Friday 27 until 08.30 Monday 30 August.  A diversion will be in place via Geneva Road, Yarm Road and A66.  - more - Neasham - 2 Graham Botham, Route Director, Network Rail, said: “This £760,000 project is yet another example of how Network Rail is working in the North East to deliver a safe, reliable rail network. “This work will bring long-term benefits to all in the area and we hope local residents, rail passengers and motorists will bear with us during these few days of inconvenience.”