A bridge over the railway line at Torquay in Devon is expected to remain closed for an extra month due to supply chain issues.

The bridge on Torbay Road over the railway line in Livermead next to Wheatridge Lane is expected to remain closed for an extra month and is now expected to be completed on Friday, 8th April.

The delay is the result of a number of issues that the project team has faced, including moving utility services, and a delay with the construction and delivery of the new bridge structure.

Until the bridge is reopened, Torbay Road on both sides of the railway bridge will remain closed, and the existing diversion route will remain in place. Local access for residents living nearby will be maintained.

Work on the project began in January when the road surface was removed and the existing bridge was dismantled. Before the new bridge structure can be lifted into position and the road surface reinstated, utility services that were temporarily removed must all be reinstalled.

To ensure there are no further delays, Network Rail is working closely with its contractor, Dyer & Butler, to see if there are any ways in which remaining aspects of the work can be safely accelerated to reduce the delay.

Stuart Calvert, Network Rail Capital Delivery Director, said: “We are really disappointed to have to share this news and sincerely apologise to local residents, businesses, and road users for the delay in the completion of this work.
“We pride ourselves on our punctuality and efficiency when undertaking complex projects such as this bridge replacement, however, on this occasion we have regrettably faced a number of unforeseen challenges which has resulted in this delay.

“Our teams will be working closely with our contractor to ensure there are no further delays and if it safe and possible to do so, try and complete the work sooner.”