News from our partners: Find out about planned maintenance work on Felhampton railway bridge

News from our partners Network Rail

Shropshire residents are invited to a drop-in event to find out more about maintenance work on Felhampton railway bridge (on the Welsh Marches line near Wistanstow) which is being delivered in the New Year of 2020, and will improve the resilience and reliability of the railway for passengers.

Felhampton railway bridge, near Wistanstow

The work, being delivered by Network Rail, will involve replacing some of the structural elements of the bridge, improving drainage, cleaning the surface via a process called grit blasting and painting it.

The drop-in event will take place on Wednesday 4 December 2019, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm at Wistanstow Village Hall, Craven Arms, SY7 8DQ. No appointment is necessary, and representatives from Network Rail’s project team will be on hand to provide information and answer any questions ahead of the work.

The core work will take place from 6 January 2020 to 20 March 2020, inclusive. Throughout this period, the road linking Bushmoor with the A49 will be closed, and a fully signposted diversionary route will be in place.

Preparation work begins on Monday 16 December 2019 which involves setting up the site compound and taking delivery of materials to site.

Laura Townsend, scheme project manager for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said:

“We would like to thank the local community in advance for their patience while we carry out this essential maintenance work to Felhampton railway bridge.

“This work will improve the resilience and reliability of the railway, and increase its lifespan for years to come.

“We will be working closely with our partners to minimise disruption, and encourage anyone wishing to find out more about this work to come along to the drop-in event.”

Steve Brown, Shropshire Council’s interim assistant director of infrastructure and communities, said:

“I’m pleased that Network Rail will soon be carrying out much-needed work to Felhampton bridge, and thank people in advance for their patience while this important work is carried out.”