15.08.14
Road closures a necessary evil of NR’s electrification programme
The bridge over the railway at Stratton Green on Swindon Road, Wiltshire, is to be reconstructed as part of Network Rail’s Great Western Electrification Programme. However, to complete the work, which starts on 10 November, a road closure will be put in place on 17 November for approximately 20 weeks.
Many members of the public will likely be asking whether the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term inconvenience, but we agree with NR that ‘yes’ it does.
In the end, the programme will enable the new fleet of Hitachi Super Express trains, which are longer, faster and greener, to serve commuters travelling on the route from Cardiff to London.
It is also hoped that this investment will improve journey times and make services more comfortable, smoother, cleaner and quieter for passengers and people living near the railway.
Andrew Haynes, project director for Network Rail, said: “Significant work is required on this bridge in order to prepare it for electrification and the benefits this will bring.
“We understand that this temporary closure could inconvenience those who live and work in the area, and we are working closely with Swindon Borough Council to minimise disruption and complete the work in as short a timeframe as possible.”
Robbie Burns admitted at Rail Live that Network Rail’s communications and engagement teams have faced some difficult meetings, especially in areas where few people use the train anyway. It’s a lower-level version of what’s happening with HS2, in some ways. Unfortunately, infrastructure of national importance sometimes means localised disruption. Hopefully it will serve the ultimate end goal of switching more car and lorry journeys onto the railways.
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