Highbridge’s Walrow railway bridge is set to finally re-open for the first time in 18 months this Saturday (June 14th) when work to strengthen the bridge is completed.
It follows a long-running saga that saw the bridge completely closed in March 2007, then partially re-opened to light traffic last autumn after pressure on the County Council and Network Rail from traders and residents.
Network Rail spokeswoman Becky Warren said the strenghtening work – which began on March 15th – will finish on schedule this weekend.
She confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The work is all running to schedule and we’re due to fully re-open the bridge first thing on Saturday morning. The good weather in recent days has helped us complete the remaining work.”
Businesses in Highbridge will breathe a big sigh of relief when the re-opening goes ahead, but residents living along the Walrow are unhappy that more restrictive vehicle weight limitations are not being introduced to prevent noisy heavy goods vehicles thundering by their homes, as we were first to report here.
RELATED LINKS:
Walrow residents call for traffic weight restrictions
Bridge shuts again as final repairs get underway
Network Rail to close bridge for ‘up to three months’ for repairs
Walrow bridge re-opens at last!
Walrow bridge will re-open by September 14th
Car parking charges slashed in bid to help businesses
Fresh hopes for end to Walrow bridge closure
Councillors call for minister to get involved
MP visits concerned traders in Highbridge
800 angry residents sign petition over bridge closure
Councillors lead fresh bid to find solution to bridge closure
Burnham’s MP vows to fight bridge closure
Busy Highbridge road bridge to ‘shut for three years’
