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Tuesday 28 Apr 2015

Time-lapse film shows the rebuilding of Wapley footbridge

Region & Route:

Wapley footbridge in South Gloucestershire reopened to the public today, Tuesday 28 April, after work to prepare it for the electrification of the railway was completed. This stunning time-lapse photography shows the scale of the project and level of work involved.

The reconstruction of this bridge is an essential part of Network Rail’s electrification programme to enable a new fleet of longer, faster, quieter and greener electric trains to serve commuters in Gloucestershire travelling on the route between Cardiff and London. The rebuilt bridge is higher, creating the additional space needed for the overhead lines which will power the new trains to run underneath.

Andrew Haynes, Network Rail’s project director, said: “Significant work was required to prepare this bridge for the electrification of the railway and I would like to thank the local community for their patience while it was taking place.

“Now this work is complete, residents are a step closer to the benefits that electrification and the new electric trains will bring.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

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About the Great Western Electrification Programme

Electrification will transform the railway between London and Oxford, Newbury, Bristol and Cardiff to deliver a faster, greener, quieter and more reliable railway for passengers, with extra capacity. Electrifying this part of the Great Western route will enhance 235 miles of one of Britain’s busiest and oldest railways, better connecting major towns and cities across southern England and South Wales. This investment, as well as the introduction of a fleet of new trains, will improve journey times and make services more comfortable, smoother, cleaner and quieter for passengers and people living near the railway.