Work starts on replacement for Rutland railway bridge
The bridge at Manton is 150 years old
Work has started to replace a 150 year old railway bridge in Rutland.
Network Rail is spending ÂŁ2.8 million on an upgrade to the crossing at Manton, which serves the lines between Melton, Stamford and Kettering.
Preparation work is now underway, with the last services set to run across the bridge on the 3rd of June.
Teams have set up compounds, carried out preparation work and installed a temporary scaffold bridge for any wires to run across so they can be installed on the new structure.
Ramps for engineers to access the track have also been put in place to make it easier for them to remove the old bridge.
A 425 tonne replacement is going to be lifted into place.
A section of the A6003 is to remain closed until the 7th of July to allow the project o go ahead safety. A diversion will be in place.
Buses will replace CrossCountry trains between Melton Mowbray and Peterborough on Friday 4th, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June.
On Friday 4th June, the two East Midlands Railway services which usually run between Nottingham and Norwich via Melton Mowbray are being diverted via Grantham.
Gary Walsh, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Midlands route, said: “We know this section of the A6003 is a vital connection for drivers in Rutland and the surrounding areas and we want to thank them for their patience while this vital upgrade is carried out.
“Although the first stages of the work haven’t been visible for the local community, a lot of preparation is involved before lifting the bridge and installing the new one – and the project can only be carried out safely when the road is closed.
“Reconstructing Manton bridge will mean people can safely and reliably connect to other towns and cities via rail or road for generations to come.”