Network Rail has held an online event to provide the local community in Torquay with information about the impending replacement of the Torbay Road bridge.

The bridge over the railway line on Torbay Road is life-expired and is to be replaced.

While it is being replaced, Torbay Council will carry out road improvements in the area. Network Rail and Torbay Council held a Facebook Live event on Thursday, 2 December to explain more about why the work is necessary, and to answer any questions or queries that attendees raised.

Network Rail will set up a site office and compound from the last week of December, ready for bridge replacement work to start on Monday, 3 January 2022.

The project will entail the removal of the road surface and the dismantling of the existing bridge. A new one will then be lifted into position and the road surface replaced. During the replacement of the bridge, Torbay Council will undertake work to improve the road surface.

Replacing the bridge is expected to take 9 weeks to complete, while the council’s road improvements will last approximately 12 weeks. During this time, Torbay Road will be closed on either side of the railway bridge with a diversion in place, but access for residents will be maintained.

Michael Clapham, Network Rail scheme project manager, said: “The bridge at Torbay Road is old and coming to the end of its lifespan. To ensure that trains can continue to run safely, we’ll be replacing the existing structure with a brand-new bridge.

“To make sure the condition of bridge doesn’t deteriorate, we’ll need to completely close the road so that the replacement can be installed safely. While the road closure is in place, Torbay Council will be using this time to resurface the road at Torwood Street.

“We know that this will be inconvenient for drivers and local residents and we apologise for the disruption this work will cause. If you have any questions, please do join the Facebook Live event that we’re attending alongside Torbay Council where you’ll be able to find out more.”

An on-demand recording of the event is available at http://www.torbay.gov.uk

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