Work is underway to replace a bridge at Eccles Heath on the Norwich to Thetford railway line after a road traffic incident damaged it.
The bridge was closed in November 2017 after it was damaged and after exploring different options it was decided that the bridge needed replacing.
Work was originally planned for the replacement to be built in 2022, but this has been brought forward due to the impact of the road closure.
The new bridge at Eccles Health, between Attleborough and Snetterton, will have new parapets along with a new bridge deck.
The bridge carries the road over the busy Norwich to Thetford rail line between Harling Road and Eccles Road stations and was damaged beyond repair in the incident.
Preparatory works along with the setup of the working site are underway at the bridge which is between Harling Road and Eccles Road railway station.
The main work begins at the end of this month until the 18th of December.
A rail replacement bus service will be in operation for 2 weekends to enable work to be carried out.
Saturday 31 October – Sunday 1 November
Rail replacement in operation between Norwich and Ely / Norwich and Peterborough
Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 November
Rail replacement in operation between Norwich and Thetford
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail's route director for Anglia, said: “When incidents like this occur, we always try to make a repair and reopen the road as soon as we can. On this occasion, the damage was so extensive that a replacement is the only way forward to maintain safety for everyone. We understand the importance of getting this done quickly, and I'd like to thank our railway neighbours and our passengers in advance for their patience while we carry out this work.”
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia Managing Director, said: “It's good news that these important repairs are brought forward. We will be running a rail replacement bus service while Network Rail work to repair the bridge. Passengers should check before they travel, allow more time for their journey and wear a face covering when travelling by train or rail replacement bus.
“We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while this work takes place.”
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So why wasn’t it replaced before then after the accident happened.
Wonderful news.
What happened the day of the accident to cause such irreversible damage?