Network Rail replacing four bridges ready for the new electric Crossrail trains
By Network Rail
Work has begun in Slough and Hillingdon in preparation for the high frequency Crossrail services which will start in 2018.
A better journey
The new electric trains will be quicker, cleaner, quieter, smoother and more reliable than the existing diesel suburban trains but all bridges on the route need to provide clearance for the over-head electric equipment.
Network Rail will replace Middlegreen Road Bridge and Trenches Bridge in Slough and Old Stockley Road Bridge and Horton Bridge in Hillingdon as part of this process. Earlier in October 2012, we installed the temporary footbridge next to Middlegreen Bridge, which will maintain pedestrian and cycle access over the railway while the current bridge is demolished and rebuilt.
Timescales
Network Rail have already set up the sites, and the major work of removing the old bridges and installing the new bridges will take place over Christmas 2012 and Easter 2013, when the railway is already closed to trains for engineering work.
As well as replacing the bridges we are raising the parapets on a number of other bridges along the Crossrail route.
Work should be completed by Easter 2013.
Road diversion routes
Middlegreen Road Bridge, Slough
The bridge will be closed to traffic from early December 2012 until late April 2013. During this time a diversion will be put in place via St Mary’s Road. A temporary footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists will be provided at Middlegreen Road to maintain pedestrian access during the closure. For safety reasons the footbridge will be closed during the two track possessions at Christmas 2012 and Easter 2013.
Horton Bridge, Slough
The new bridge will be open and operational before the old bridge is demolished. This means pedestrians will have access across the railway at all times. The new bridge may need to be closed over Easter 2013 when the old is being demolished. If this is necessary, we'll contact neighbours with dates and the pedestrian diversion route.
Old Stockley Road Bridge, Hillingdon
From 1 October 2012, vehicles will be permanently diverted north along Stockley Road onto Horton Road, along Ironbridge Road North and then Ironbridge Road South. Pedestrians and cyclists will also be diverted over Stockley Road until the new bridge opens in May 2013.
Trenches Bridge, Hillingdon
The footbridge will be closed from the end of November 2012 until May 2013. During this time, pedestrians and cyclists approaching from the south will be diverted onto Maryside to St Mary’s Road. Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to follow a towpath alongside the Grand Union Canal back to the northern part of Trenches Bridge.