A338 Update on Wantage Road Bridge Rebuild

I attended a briefing for Oxfordshire County Councillors yesterday, where Network Rail confirmed that they have now developed a proposal for the A338 Wantage Road bridge rebuild that will keep the road open.  This scheme will build a brand new bridge alongside the old bridge which will then be demolished once the new bridge is in place.  Obviously, the road will have to be realigned slightly to take account of this, but discussions are ongoing with county officers and Network Rail to ensure that disruption is minimised whilst the work takes place.

We were also assured that they have taken into consideration other highways work being undertaken by Oxfordshire County Council and therefore the Challow Road (A417) and Steventon High Street (B4017) bridges will not be closed at the same time and access for pedestrians will be provided during the work on the bridges.

I understand from the presentation that we were given that all being well, the work will start at the end of this year, with a completion date around May 2015.  However, this timetable could change if further information comes to light which needs to be taken into account.  

We were also assured that residents who live near to the railway line will be notified of the works taking place overnight, and this will happen nearer the time. I have heard reports that the electrification work is done quickly with 1km a day being undertaken in other parts of the country.

I have been campaigning hard to ensure that the best solution possible is undertaken for this work to go ahead which will minimise any road closure, so I was pleased to hear that Network Rail have listened.  I will keep residents informed as soon as I hear further news, but it is good to hear that long road closures are to be avoided.