Media centre

Tuesday 13 Dec 2005

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR UPPER GUNGATE BRIDGE

Region & Route:

Work is due to start on 3 January 2006 at Upper Gungate Bridge as part of the Trent Valley Four Tracking (TV4) project upgrading the West Coast Main Line. Network Rail has worked with Staffordshire County Council to make sure this work can be carried out without road closures by putting extensive traffic management plans in place. As this is one of the busiest junctions in Tamworth, work at Upper Gungate road bridge was deferred until the New Year to avoid an impact on Christmas traffic and trade. The junction spans the West Coast mainline which is to be extended from two lines to four lines for a much improved railway. In order to undertake this major work, the bridge has to be rebuilt and widened to fit the additional two tracks under it. Traffic management is essential to keep road traffic open throughout the construction work. Drivers are however advised to plan ahead as delays may be possible. Traffic management will involve some temporary lane closures, with alterations and changes to traffic lights during off peak hours. The initial traffic management will be to create a new road layout, which will be in place for approximately eight months so work can take place to the centre span of the bridge. Traffic from Salters Lane wanting to turn into Offa Drive will be diverted via Albert Road for the duration. The overall work at Gungate is scheduled to finish by late 2007. Senior Programme Manager for TV4 Keith Riley: “While we will carry out this work with as little disruption as possible, we realise that Upper Gungate is a busy spot for local traffic and commuters. I recommend people plan ahead of time and take care on the roads while this work is being carried out. We are committed to working with the community and that is why we are making every effort to carry out this major work without closing the bridge to traffic.” Anyone with any concerns or questions should contact the Network Rail 24 hour helpline on 08457 114141. For more information visit www.networkrail.co.uk and view the projects and engineering pages.