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Friday 17 Aug 2007

PARK STREET BRIDGE BROUGHT UP TO STRENGTH

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Work will soon start on a £250,000 project by Network Rail and Birmingham City Council to strengthen Park Street bridge in Birmingham to ensure it meets current standards for roads passing over railway lines.

A scheme is under way to look at 10,000 road-over-rail bridges nationwide now that 40 and 44 tonne lorries are permitted on Britain's roads under EU regulations. Any bridges that do not meet the latest criteria will either be strengthened or, if necessary, completely rebuilt. Network Rail's territory civil engineer Tony Wilcock explained the situation: "The bridge itself is perfectly safe for the time being but needs the work to bring it in line with modern-day standards. If we don’t do the work, it could mean a permanent weight restriction being imposed that might have an impact on buses, the emergency services and the public." The bridge which carries Park Street over the railway will be reduced to one lane throughout the project. Bordesley Street will be closed at its junction with Park Street during the second half of the project. Neil Dancer, Birmingham City Council's Chief Highway Engineer, added: “Drivers are advised that lane and road closures will be in place from Tuesday 28th August to Sunday 11th November when the project is due to be completed. Local residents and businesses have been informed and diversionary routes will be well signed for motorists. Pedestrian access will be maintained across the bridge at all times.”