A busy road in Wiltshire has been closed for six weeks as Network Rail carries out essential railway bridge repairs.
The B3108 Lower Stoke, also known as Winsley Hill, in Limpley Stoke, will not reopen until Sunday, 31 August. The railway company says its team will be working around the clock, and the project will ensure the long-term safety and integrity of the bridge.
The engineers will be installing new steelwork on the underside of the bridge. This will be grit-blasted and then repainted, before anti-collision markings are installed. Network Rail says the project will help spread the weight of trains running over it.
Buses between Bath and Bradford-on-Avon, via Winsley village will be diverted. Wiltshire Council, with financial support from Network Rail, will be providing a free shuttle bus service between Winsley village and Bradford-on-Avon.
While no vehicles are allowed to use the bridge over the school holidays, Network Rail says pedestrian access will continue throughout the works. There will be some overnight pauses, that will be managed by marshals.
A clearly signposted diversion route will be in place during the closure. However, Wiltshire Council has warned the roadworks are expected to disrupt local traffic and bus services, even with the reduced traffic caused by the school holidays.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways on Wiltshire Council, said: “We understand this closure will cause disruption, but these works are vital for public safety and the continued operation of the railway.
“We’ve worked closely with Network Rail to ensure alternative travel arrangements are in place, particularly for bus users.
“Throughout the closure, we will be monitoring the effect that this closure has on the local traffic network, particularly in the surrounding villages, and if required we will take appropriate action to mitigate any major traffic issues.”
And Network Rail’s Lead Portfolio Manager, Vaheesan Maheswaran, has apologised for the delays this project will cause residents.
“This is our latest piece of work to make sure trains can continue to travel safely and reliably across the hundreds of bridges on the Western route,” he continued
“We’re sorry to cause disruption to the local community, but our work is essential to keep trains running smoothly and reliably.
The closure will affect the D1 bus service, which will be diverted via Sally-in-the-Woods between Bradford-on-Avon and Bath. The free shuttle bus is operated by Beeline and will run between Winsley village and Bradford on Avon from Monday to Saturday during the daytime.
Posters with the shuttle timetable are displayed at bus stops in Winsley and along Winsley Road in Bradford on Avon.
Passengers travelling to Bath from Winsley can take the shuttle to Bradford-on-Avon and change to the D1 or D1x at Christ Church. Those heading to Trowbridge can change at the Town Bridge.
In the evenings from 6.05pm, as well as on Sundays and public holidays, the D1 will continue serving Winsley village and Winsley Road, though journey times may be slightly longer due to the diversion.
