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Thursday 24 Mar 2022

Torbay Road bridge replacement work extended until May

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

The work to replace Torbay Road railway bridge in Paignton, Devon, will be extended until May, as engineers try to install the new bridge without disrupting BT cables which serve local residents and businesses.

Network Rail is sorry that the work to replace the life-expired Torbay Road bridge will now take until Monday 23 May as the location of the cables means the installation of the beams, which support the road surface, will take longer.

Once the beams are safely in place, engineers will reconstruct the new bridge and reinstate the highway. Network Rail will work with the contractor, Dyer & Butler, to open a footpath for pedestrians and cyclists on Sunday 8 May.

While the work continues, the road either side of the bridge will remain closed with the existing diversion route remaining in place. Local access for residents living nearby will be maintained.

Scott Pillinger, programme manager for Network Rail said: “We’re really sorry to have to share this news and apologise to everyone who will be affected by the extension of this work. We understand that this will be disappointing for residents, businesses and road users.

“Unfortunately, the complex nature of the bridge replacement means that we’ve had to extend the work to ensure the BT cables keep working and that no one is cut off from these services.

“We’re sorry for the disruption this has caused and thank local residents for their patience and understanding.”