The time for Network Rail to replace St Margaret’s Street Bridge at Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire has had to be extended until the end of November because of various technical challenges that were found during the course of the work.

The bridge is located to the east of Bradford-on-Avon railway station. It is being replaced as its condition was such that it wasn’t economical to repair, which required a full replacement. It was originally planned that the work would take six months, during which there would be a full road closure as well as a partial closure of the St Margaret’s Place public right of way.

A longer closure is required because of the technical problems, which include the non-availability of specialist contractors to divert utilities, periods of industrial action, last winter’s extremely cold temperatures, a need for redesign work, and problems with the pouring of concrete.

During the next two weekends 12th/13th and 19th/20 August, a crane situated on the Junction Road side of the bridge will install the steel girders. Engineers will then work throughout September to construct the bridge deck, followed by the final stage from October to mid-November when the original utility pipes will be reconnected.

Mike Contopoulos, Network Rail’s project director for buildings and civils, said: “We know that this will be disappointing to local residents and I’d like to apologise for the delays to the completion of the bridge replacement work.

“A number of issues, including adverse weather, difficulties in diverting the utilities and challenges with the concrete pour, have meant that this project has had to be extended, which we understand will be frustrating to local residents.

“The project to replace the bridge is one of the last in our region to be carried out under the current system for employing and working alongside contractors. Our new model, which will begin next year, will mitigate the kind of issues we have experienced at Bradford on Avon by enabling us to work collaboratively with high-quality, expert, trusted supply chain partners to design, develop and deliver the projects we need to achieve great outcomes for passengers, freight, and funders.

“In Bradford on Avon, we are working with our contractors to ensure that the remainder of the work is carried out as quickly and as safely as possible and will keep the local community updated as this project progresses.

“I’d like to thank residents for their ongoing patience and once again apologise for the delays to this project.”