MOTORISTS are being reminded that work on a railway bridge in Woodley will begin next weekend.

As part of the electrification of the Great Western Mainline and the introduction of a new fleet of electric trains, Network Rail will be strengthening and increasing the height of the sides of the bridge (parapets) to make it safer for road users and passengers on the railway.

The works are due to take place from April 14 and will require further traffic restrictions to be in place. The bridge is expected to be fully reopened by October.

Between April and July there will be temporary closures of the bridge for Network Rail to do the preliminary work including installing scaffolding and blast cleaning the bridge. These works will take place mostly overnight to reduce disruption to the local public.

The temporary traffic lights will remain in place for when the bridge is open.

From August until September the bridge will be shut for the new parapets to be installed. The bridge will be fully reopened in October.

Jamie Davies, Network Rail’s Head of Programme Integration, said:
“This work is crucial to delivering a better service for passengers as we undertake the biggest transformation of the Western route since Brunel, with investment in infrastructure and the largest fleet upgrade in a generation.

“Making sure the public are safe is our key priority but I understand this essential work will be inconvenient so I’d like to thank local residents for their patience in advance while we carry it out.

“We are continuing to work closely with Wokingham Borough Council to minimise disruption and complete the work in as short a timescale as possible.”

The diversion route, agreed with the local highways authority, during the temporary closure of Butts Hill Road Bridge is as follows: Butts Hill Road, Headley Road, Reading Road, A4 Bath Road, Pound Lane.

Members of the public with any questions about the work can also call Network Rail’s 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41.