SPRINGFIELD Road in Grantham will be closed for most of November while Network Rail carries out essential repairs and improvements on the railway bridge.
The closure will be in place from 7pm on Saturday, 1 November to 7.30am on Saturday, 29 November and overnight on 6 December.
A signed diversion will be in place via the A52, London Road, Wharf Road, and the A607 Harlaxton Road.
Pedestrian access will be maintained via the adjacent subway, and two-way access on Springfield Road will be maintained for businesses and residents via Harlaxton Road.
The work will see a protection beam and supports installed at each end of the bridge to absorb the impact of any future strikes on the bridge by high vehicles passing underneath. Alterations will also be made to the carriageway to channel vehicles through the bridge.
In the past two years the bridge has been struck 15 times, resulting in severe delays for train passengers and added cost to Network Rail.
The strikes also cause delays to motorists while the road beneath the bridge is closed so engineers can inspect for damage and carry out repairs.
Area Highways Manager Mark Heaton said: “Due to the type of work being done and for the safety of drivers and workers, it is necessary to close the road while work is carried out to prevent future strikes on the bridge. We’d ask for your patience while this essential work is carried out.”
Justin Page, area director at Network Rail, said: “We’re installing collision protection beams at the railway bridge on Springfield Road to help reduce the disruption caused by vehicle strikes.
“Unfortunately the bridge has been struck numerous times in the past as a result of driver error, which has caused significant delays to train services and often road users.
“In the future these beams will take the brunt of any strike, which will enable us to open the railway line and road more quickly and efficiently.”
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