Sections of a concrete flyover are to be removed to allow the building the first direct railway line between Oxford, Bedford, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury in more than 50 years.
Three cranes, believed to be the largest in the UK, are working together to lift out sections of the Bletchley Flyover, which was built in the early 1960s.
Work has been progressing since April to remove the concrete spans so that the structure can be rebuilt to modern standards, all part of the East West Rail Project.
The sections above Buckingham Road, the main road in and out of Bletchley are being lifted out. One crane will be installed on the road itself, requiring the road to close from 5th July to 30th August 2020.
Tim Shoveller, managing director for Network Rail’s North West and Central region, said: “The work to remove Bletchley flyover as part of the East West Rail project is a hugely impressive feat of engineering. I thank local people and road-users for their patience as the project moves into this next phase over Buckingham Road.
“East West Rail will transform connectivity and journey times across the heart of the country. The resulting low-carbon transport system will bring huge benefits to passengers and businesses – driving economic growth and creating opportunities for housing and new jobs.”
Pedestrian access will be maintained by a walkway so people can still cross the road.
At certain times, this won’t be available, but when the walkway is closed a shuttle bus will run every 15 minutes to take people between the train station and the bus station.
Jeff Booth, project leader for East West Rail Alliance, said: “This work is a vital part of the East West Rail project to re-establish train services between Oxford and Milton Keynes and the road needs to be closed so that we can carry out the work safely. We appreciate that closing the road can be disruptive to motorists and we’d like to apologise for any inconvenience this causes. We thank motorists in advance for their patience.”
From 1st September -7 December, Buckingham Road will be partially closed to divert gas, electricity, telecoms, and drainage. Traffic lights will be used to manage traffic.
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Responses
Nice to see the new face of bletchley. That brunel centre also need to demolish and build a new shopping facility. Bletchley demands that as many young families and professionals moving here to buy a house.
But what is it being replaced with?
Did you not read the article? “Work has been progressing since April to remove the concrete spans so that the structure can be rebuilt to modern standards, all part of the East West Rail Project.”
Mike, I did read it and your response has not answered my question. My question still stands, ‘what is it being replaced with’ I have heard the replacement is going to be uglier than the original
It’s a pity that a site devoted to railway matters has to use the expression ‘train station’.
Yep…..spot on……
About time that the Bletchley Flyover needs to be demolished. Good on Network Rail.
Did you not read the article? The Flyover is being demolished so that a new structure can be built in its place.
The flyover at Bletchley has been a “eye saw” since it was first built before the Varsity Line closed permanently in 1965 due to the Beeching cuts. And has been standing there ever since.