A bridge which partially collapsed onto the Midland Main Line in Leicestershire last August will reopen to road vehicles on Monday, 27 March.

Pieces of the bridge on Grove Lane in Barrow upon Soar fell onto the tracks overnight on 1 August 2016, resulting in a day of disruption as train services bound for London through the East Midlands were cancelled and diverted.

Short term repairs meant that train services were running again within 24 hours and although the bridge reopened to pedestrians three weeks later, it has remained closed to road traffic to allow detailed assessments to be made and permanent repairs carried out.

The work to repair the road bridge has included removing 200 tonnes of debris, restoring the brick parapet wall, reconnecting gas and water mains which run through the bridge, as well as resurfacing the road.

Gary Walsh, area director at Network Rail, said: “Repairing this bridge has been a huge project. Work to repair old bridges such as this one are complicated and can run into unforeseen challenges. Although we want the bridge to open as soon as possible, we need to make sure that the bridge is safe for all users before it reopens.
“I appreciate that the work has caused disruption to those living in the area and I apologise for this. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank residents for their continued patience whilst this work is carried out.”

Network Rail will hold a public information event on Wednesday, 15 March between 16:00 and 19:00 at Barrow upon Soar Scout Hut. Representatives from Network Rail and their contractors AMCO will be on hand to answer any questions which residents may have, as well as to provide further information on the work which has taken place.

Further work will be required later in the year and residents will be able to find out more information at the event. Network Rail will write to residents before the work begins to let them know the time and dates of the work, as well as any road closures which will be put in place.

(Source: Network Rail)