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Thursday 1 Sep 2005

STRENGTHENING WORK FOR BRIDGE AT SUTTON PARK

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Network Rail is to begin work on strengthening a 160 year-old bridge in Sutton Park. The £600,000 project will begin on 19 September with completion due mid December this year. The underbridge, known as the big cattle arch, is situated between Bracebridge Pool and Blackroot Pool. The structure supports two freight railway lines while a public footpath and cycle route pass underneath. As a safety measure, public access under the bridge will be closed for the duration of the construction work. A speed restriction on trains travelling over the structure has enabled the bridge to be kept open but work is now required to maintain the long-term safety of the line and surrounding area. The speed restriction will be lifted once work is completed. The access route to the bridge for workmen and lorries carrying essential site materials has been agreed with Sutton Park managers, English Heritage, English Nature and the Environment Agency. A temporary, secure compound will be set up at Blackroot car park for vehicles. The remainder of the car park will remain open to the public as normal. Commenting on the project, Network Rail Route Director Peter Strachan said: “Every effort will be made to ensure work is carried out within environmental guidelines and with regard for the sensitivity that this special area demands. This includes carefully managing traffic movements and ensuring we cause as little disruption as possible.”