Media centre

Wednesday 5 Jan 2005

REMINDER: COCK LANE BRIDGE REPLACED THIS WEEKEND

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

Cock Lane road bridge over the railway in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, is to be completely replaced this weekend, to remove an existing weight restriction and increase its strength to modern standards. For safety reasons, the railway line beneath the work site will be closed this weekend while the major task of lifting out the old bridge and installing the new bridge is undertaken.  Buses will replace trains between Beaconsfield and High Wycombe on Saturday and Sunday. Robbie Burns, Network Rail Route Director, said: “We are committed to making sure Britain’s rail network, including bridges like this one, is safe and reliable.  We are investing £1 million into a brand new bridge to ensure its long-term future for road and rail users in the area.” Work started on the bridge site in November last year and the road was closed to traffic just after Christmas.  The new bridge will re-open for vehicles on completion of the work, which is estimated to take four to five weeks.  Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout, with  a free taxi service in operation on 8 and 9 January during the main bridge replacement.  Network Rail has been in close contact with local residents to provide details and consultation on the work, which will ensure the bridge conforms to the latest European vehicle weight standards.   Robbie Burns added: “Preparatory work at Cock Lane has been underway since November, but the main part of the job will be the actual bridge replacement on the weekend of 8 to 9 January.  I would like to thank road and rail users for their continued patience while this essential work is carried out.” Cock Lane bridge replacement has been planned in partnership with Buckinghamshire County Council.  Diversionary routes for road vehicles will be clearly signposted and council and emergency services have been notified of the bridge closure.