Today, Monday, 25th July, Network Rail engineers began essential work to upgrade a bridge over the Midland Main Line in Bedfordshire to ensure it is strong and reliable for drivers and passengers for years to come.

The bridge is in Highfield Road at Oakley, three miles north of Bedford between Bedford and Wellingborough.

Over the coming months, the bridge will be reinforced with new supports for its historic foundations. This will make sure that the bridge remains stable, secure, and safe for both road and rail traffic well into the future.

Network Rail teams will also use this time to inspect and repair any structural damage to reduce the need for future maintenance.

To carry out the work safely, it will be necessary to erect temporary scaffolding, and the section of Highfield Road over the bridge will be partially closed to cars on weekdays between 08.00 and 17.00 from Monday, 25th July until Friday, 2nd September. The road will remain fully open in both directions during weekends and for pedestrians at all times.

Gary Walsh, Route Director for East Midlands at Network Rail said:

“Safety is our top priority and completing this essential upgrade in Oakley will mean that Highfield Road bridge remains safe and reliable for both drivers and rail passengers for many years to come.

“We’ve worked carefully with the local authorities to identify the least disruptive time to carry out the work, and we have chosen to do it during the school summer holidays to keep the impact on the community to a minimum. I do apologise in advance to those who are affected by this work.”