Media centre

Thursday 30 Sep 2010

RAIL WORK UNDO BEECHING’S CUTS IN 24 HOURS

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

An old railway bridge, which was reduced to a single track after spending cuts in the 1960s, will be replaced in 24 hours near Honeybourne.   The brand new bridge will be wider and stronger, so that an extra track can be installed to cater for future growth.

The improvement work is part of Network Rail’s scheme to redouble the North Cotswold line, bringing performance and potential capacity benefits to services between Worcester and Oxford. 

Measuring 9.3 metres wide, the new bridge is nearly twice the size than the old bridge.  The old bridge was built in 1972 with room for only a single track after the railway on the Cotswold line was reduced as part of ‘Beeching’s axe’, which resulted in the closure of around 9,000 miles of track and 4000 stations across Britain.

Mike Gallop, principal programme sponsor, Network Rail said: “Britain relies on rail and investment is vital.  Good rail links stimulate private sector investment and enable sustained productivity.  The railway gives more than it takes and by investing in schemes like the North Cotswold, we are also investing in the future of Britain." 

Martin Barnett, senior project manager, First Great Western said: "We will continue to work closely with Network Rail in delivering the North Cotswolds redoubling scheme and we look forward to providing customers with revised services on project completion."

In a bid to minimise disruption, the new bridge will be pre-cast and pre-assembled remotely before it is installed on-site on 2 October.  This will significantly reduce the amount of time needed to access the railway to carry out the work.

A special crane - self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) - will be used to lift, remove and install the bridges.  The SPMT, which will be steered remotely using a computerised system, is a platform vehicle with multi wheels and can carry up to 600t.   This innovative technology has also been used to install the new air bridge at London Heathrow airport. 

First Great Western will be providing coach replacement services between Moreton in Marsh and Worcester Shrub Hill on 2 - 3 October (Saturday and Sunday) and normal train timetable services will resume on 4 October (Monday) at 5am.  Passengers are advised to check the time table with National Rail Enquiries or First Great Western before they start their journey.