Network Rail has announced that they will be carrying out the final work on Higham Road bridge, and as a result, some sections of the A45 in Wellingborough will close in August 2020.
The work to renovate the bridge began in February 2019, increasing the height of the bridge to allow for the safe clearance of catenary equipment. As a result, the bridge will be upgraded with new streetlights and an upgrade to the drainage system.
The embankments under the bridge will also be strengthened to increase the reliability of services on the Midland Mainline.
The following closures of the A45 will come into effect for motorists:
- The westbound carriageway will be closed from 20:00 on Friday, 14 August until 06:00 on Monday, 17 August.
- The eastbound carriageway will be closed from 20:00 on Monday, 17 August until 06:00 on Tuesday, 18 August.
- One lane in each direction will be closed from 20:00 on Monday, 17 August until 06:00 on Friday, 21 August.
There will be a signposted diversion for motorists, and train services will not be affected by the work.
Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail, said: “These finishing touches at Higham Road bridge are a vital part of the project, which will deliver faster, more reliable train services.
“The partial road closures which are in place this month on the A45 will allow us to complete the work, whilst minimising disruption for drivers as much as possible.
“We would like to thank motorists, residents and businesses in Wellingborough for their continued patience whilst the project to upgrade the bridge has been carried out.”
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Once the electrification is completed and East Midlands Railway to start using the Class 360s cascaded from Greater Anglia to work on the London St. Pancras-Corby & Kettering routes. Another achievement from Network Rail on electrifying the Midland Main Line from Bedford to Kettering and Corby. And with Class 810 AT300s to be built to replace the Class 222 Meridian and Class 43 Mk3 HSTs and coming into service in 2022.
No wonder the electrification on the Midland Main Line is being delayed. But it should be completed by Christmas.
And EMR to inherit the Class 360s from Greater Anglia to be used on the London St. Pancras-Corby and Kettering electric service. And to run the Class 360s as 8-Car and 12-Car formation and upgraded to 110mph (177km/h).