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Wednesday 4 Aug 2004

NEW BRIDGE FOR NICHOLSON STREET

Region & Route:

Drivers using Nicholson Street in  Castleford will soon find their journeys are quicker and easier, thanks to the widening of the bridge over the railway line. Strengthening work, which will begin this weekend, will ultimately mean an end to the current weight restriction (of 7.5 tonnes), and allow two lanes of traffic to run on the bridge. The line will be closed on the 7 and 8 August to allow this work to be carried out.  This will affect services between Castleford, Pontefract and Knottingley.  Services will operate as normal between Leeds and Castleford with a replacement bus service operating between Castleford, Pontefract and Knottingley. For further information passengers should contact Arriva Trains Northern Customer helpline on 0870 6023322. Bob Lowery, Project Manager, Network Rail, said: “The completion of this £800,000 project means we will be able to improve the journeys of motorists crossing the bridge in Nicholson Street, while protecting the railway that runs beneath it.  “This is yet another example of how Network Rail is working in Yorkshire to deliver a safe, reliable rail network, while taking into account the needs of those using the areas around the railway. -more- Nicholson - 2 “This work will bring long-term benefits to all in the area and we hope passengers will bear with us during these few days of inconvenience.” Work began on the bridge in July and will continue until December 2004 and Nicholson Street will remain closed to vehicles during these times.