TIMELAPSE: Triple bridge demolition work completed in Monmouthshire as preparation for railway electrification continues: Huggets road bridge demolition Christmas 2016

Wednesday 4 Jan 2017

TIMELAPSE: Triple bridge demolition work completed in Monmouthshire as preparation for railway electrification continues

Region & Route:
Wales & Western: Wales & Borders
| Wales & Western

Stunning new timelapse has captured the demolition of three Monmouthshire bridges as upgrade work to electrify the South Wales Mainline continues, as part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan. 

The footage shows the demolition of Llandevenny, Rogiet and Huggets road bridges, which took place over the festive period. The timelapse also shows a new bridge deck being lifted into place at Llandevenny and elements of the new bridge piers installed at Huggets road bridge.

Network Rail’s orange army worked around the clock from Christmas Eve until 27 December to ensure the completion of this essential bridge upgrade work.

All three bridges required full reconstruction as they had reached the end of their serviceable lives, and were too low to accommodate overhead line equipment needed to power the electric trains.

Work now continues to complete the reconstruction of all three bridges. During the road bridge closures, diversionary routes for motorists are in place.

Karl Gilmore, Network Rail’s programme manager, said: “I would like to thank passengers and our lineside neighbours for bearing with us whilst this essential upgrade work took place as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.

“I also want to pay tribute to our dedicated frontline staff and contractors – many of whom gave up precious time with their families to ensure this necessary work took place to prepare South Wales for the new fleet of electric trains, which will result in more seats, faster and more reliable journeys for passengers.”

ENDS

Notes to editor

  • Llandevenny road bridge and Huggets road bridge closed to motorists and pedestrians in September 2016 and will reopen in summer 2017.
  • Rogiet road bridge closed to pedestrians and motorists in December 2016 and will reopen in autumn 2017. A temporary footbridge is in place.

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We own, operate and develop Britain's railway infrastructure; that's 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We run 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are run by the country's train operating companies.

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