Prep starts to replace bridge for East West Rail

A road will be closed for a week to allow for preparation work on a railway bridge which will later be rebuilt for East West Rail.

Saxon Street (B4034) in Bletchley will close from 07:00 GMT on 12 January until late afternoon on 18 January.

During this period, rail engineers will carry out ground investigation surveys and vegetation clearance needed ahead of major work to replace the bridge.

Edmund Waddelove, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said it was "vital work.. needed to keep it (the bridge) safe and reliable for many years to come."

Surveys on the 1970s-built bridge are needed to help engineers finalise designs for a replacement structure.

The new bridge is needed because the current one is now at the end of its life, said a spokesperson for Network Rail.

In addition, the current bridge is single track and the new bridge will be wide enough to accommodate two tracks as well as freight trains.

During the road closure, a clearly signposted diversion will be in place.

Access for pedestrians and cyclists will also remain open throughout the project's duration.

Waddelove thanked road users and business owners in advance for their patience while the survey work would be carried out.

He added: "The bridge provides an important rail connection for future passenger and freight services running on the new East West Rail route."

Network Rail and its East West Rail Alliance partners have written to locals about the road closure and are working closely with Milton Keynes City Council.

During the closure new road markings and lines will be painted on Saxon Street.

Once completed, East West Rail will connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.

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