Highbridge’s Walrow Railway Bridge is set to close for up to three months from mid-March when work to strengthen it gets underway.
Network Rail has confirmed this week that the controversial bridge – which has only been partially open to light vehicles since last September amid fears about the safety of its structure – will shut from March 15th.
Workers from Network Rail will take up to three months to complete the long-awaited work to strengthen the bridge so that it can fully re-open to all traffic during June.
Highbridge residents have this week welcomed the news that the work is starting, but questioned the length of time it will take to get it completed.
District councillor Joe Leach told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Wedensday (February 27th): “I’m pleased that Network Rail is sticking to its word and getting the work done, but angry it has taken this long to get started. It should have been done months ago.”
There were initially concerns in March 2007 that the bridge would close for three years, but pressure from the County and District Councils forced Network Rail to bring the work forward. The bridge was partially opened in September.
Warning signs were introduced along Market Street and Church Street to warn motorists about the vehicle restrictions, which see width limits set at 2.1m and weight limits of three tons.
RELATED LINKS:
Walrow bridge will re-open by September 14th
Car parking charges slashed in bid to help businesses
Fresh hopes for end to Walrow bridge closure
Councillors call for minister to get involved
MP visits concerned traders in Highbridge
800 angry residents sign petition over bridge closure
Councillors lead fresh bid to find solution to bridge closure
Burnham’s MP vows to fight bridge closure
Busy Highbridge road bridge to ‘shut for three years’
