Bridge replacement to impact trains for six days

Network Rail is replacing the central spans of Nazeing New Road bridge during a four-month road closure. The bridge sits over the line that carries trains between London and Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire. The main work over the railway will take place between 13 and 18 January.

Trains won’t be able to run on this part of the line during the six days, so there will be rail replacement buses on some routes and alternative travel options for other journeys. Passengers should check before they travel with Greater Anglia, Stansted Express or National Rail.

Despite remedial works being carried out on the bridge between 2010-14, it has continued to deteriorate and has reached the end of its useful life. It now needs to be replaced to keep passengers, drivers and pedestrians safe, and to avoid a prolonged closure at short notice.

The new bridge is designed to last 120 years. Network Rail is delivering the project with its contractor, J Murphy and Sons.

The road over the bridge is now closed until Sunday, April 30 2023 to allow the replacement work to be completed. Pedestrian and vehicle diversionary routes are signposted.

Kate Snowden, Network Rail Anglia head of communications, said: “I’m really sorry about the impact of this work on people’s journeys but, if we don’t do it now, it could lead to a much more disruptive closure in future. Replacing the bridge will enable us to maintain a safe and reliable route for passengers, drivers and pedestrians for years to come.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused while our trains are unable to run under the Nazeing New Road bridge and will be doing everything we can to help customers continue their journeys during this period.”

Other engineering work on the main line will be taking place on the weekends of January 21/22 and January 28/29, so passengers should continue to check before they travel.

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