Tuesday 25 Feb 2014
Pytchley Road bridge work due to complete on time
- Region & Route:
- | North West & Central
Road users will be able to use Pytchley Road bridge in Kettering from 1 March after Network Rail engineers announced they are on course to complete the re-build of the structure on 28 February, as planned.
Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: “We are aware how disruptive this road closure has been and thank local residents and businesses for their patience while we completed this essential work. The re-built bridge will allow electric trains to run underneath as part of our £70 million investment to speed up journey times on the line between London and Sheffield. It will give the extra headroom needed for trains to travel at higher speeds, when the forces involved mean trains tilt to one side as they pass through curved sections of track.
“We are grateful for the patience from the local authorities and communities have shown us as we near the end of the project. We remain focussed on finishing the work quickly as we continue our plans to build a better railway for the East Midlands.”
Road traffic from Kettering Town Centre and Retail Park will be able use the Pytchley Road Bridge from the 1st March when the A6003 (Barton Road) road diversion is lifted.
Pytchley Road bridge has been closed since Monday 9 December 2013. Network Rail worked closely with the Highways Agency, Northamptonshire County Council and Kettering Borough Council to minimise disruption and provide travel advice to those affected. Access for pedestrians and cyclists was maintained for the vast majority of the works.
Network Rail would normally provide the additional clearance required for faster trains by lowering the track level under the bridge. However, rebuilding the bridge provides the space needed for trains to travel faster as well as room needed for future installation of overhead line equipment as part of the proposed electrification of the line between Bedford and Sheffield, providing better value for money and minimising disruption.
Notes to editors
1. Full day on the 28 February is necessary to re-divert telephone, gas, electricity, water services, and lay tarmac across the road and finish the pavements.
2. Network Rail notified residents and worked with local authorities and Highways Agency to raise awareness of diversionary routes and set up drop-in session for local community. Details were available on [www.roadworks.org] and residents were encouraged to contact Network Rail’s 24 hour helpline on 08457 11 41 41 if they had any questions.
3. Network Rail is increasing the line speeds on the Midland Main Line as part of a commitment to speed up journeys and will cut up to 8 minutes between London and Sheffield. Line speed increases are being made between Leicester and Trent South Junction, on the line to Kettering, around the Toton area, and between Nottingham and Sheffield. Two bridges were rebuilt in the Leicestershire area.
4. Network Rail plans to upgrade and electrify the Midland Main Line between Bedford and Sheffield. This investment would see more seats, quicker journeys and cleaner and quieter trains. Current plans are to electrify to Corby by 2017, to Leicester, Derby and Nottingham in 2019 and to Sheffield in 2020.
5. The bridge was rebuilt together with the line speed improvements to reduce taxpayer costs and help minimise disruption.
6. A bridge close to Kettering Venture Park was demolished by Network Rail between 25 to 26 December 2013, as it is no longer in use.
Contact information
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Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
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020 3357 7969
southeastroutecomms@networkrail.co.uk
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