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Monday 9 Oct 2017

Public drop in ahead of road bridge reconstruction

Region & Route:

| Eastern

Residents and businesses in Bedford are being invited to a drop-in event ahead of road bridge reconstruction work close to Bedford Station.

While electric overhead wires already pass beneath a number of the spans of Ford End Road bridge, which crosses the Midland Main Line to the south of the station, work is needed to lift one of the unwired sections so that all the lines through Bedford can be electrified.

The work will be split into two distinct phases. The first will see a single lane closure of Ford End Road between Monday 16 October and Thursday 30 November while utilities running through the bridge are diverted.

During phase one, a one-way system from Queens Park going into Bedford will be in operation, supported by an outbound diversion via Ashburnham Road and Bromham Road.

The second phase, due to start in early 2018, will see the road closed fully to allow for the bridge to be rebuilt. Further details regarding phase two will be announced in due course.

Spencer Gibbens, principal programme sponsor for the Midland Main Line Upgrade, said: “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 Ford End Road to keep disruption to a minimum, though we do apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result.”

Those who wish to learn more about the proposals can contract Network Rail online, via telephone or by visiting The Harpur Centre in Bedford between 9am and 5pm on Saturday 14 October where members of Network Rail’s team will be on site to answer any questions.