Branston Railway Bridge
Introduction
A bridge in Branston will be under a weight restriction for the foreseeable future, for safety reasons. The Branston Railway Bridge on the B5018 Main Street will be restricted to vehicles under 7.5 tonnes and will have a 2.3 metre width restriction imposed along its length. This 185-year-old bridge was previously under a weight restriction of 7.5 tonnes except for access.
These latest restrictions come after routine inspections revealed defects on the bridge that need repairing. Options are already being drawn up to repair the bridge, and work will begin as soon as possible.
Options are already being drawn up to repair the bridge, and work will begin as soon as possible. Traffic signals have been installed to restrict traffic to single way working, also allowing highway crews to work. Bus companies and local businesses have been notified.
A diversion route for all vehicles over 7.5 tonnes or greater than 2.3m wide has been signed and put in place.
When are the works taking place?
The weight and width restrictions and associated diversion route are effective from August 2024. Large concrete blocks have been provided either side of the bridge, away from the structure, to reinforce the vehicle restrictions. Additional signage upgrades will be installed in the coming days.
Our teams will be on site undertaking regular inspections of the existing structure and other maintenance within the traffic management.
When will the works be completed?
A completion date is not yet available, given the works may involve replacement of the 184-year-old masonry arch spanning the railway. Options to upgrade the bridge are being developed, in consultation with Network Rail.
Will I be able to access my home/business?
Yes, however access over the bridge will be restricted to vehicles less than 7.5 tonnes and 2.3m wide due to the structural weight limit. Access either side of the bridge remains available via the signed diversion route. The existing zonal 7.5 tonne amenity restriction is still effective, with exceptions for access, however the structural restriction at the bridge applies to all traffic.
Pedestrian and cycle traffic over the bridge is still available.
Signage at the reduced headroom railway bridge on B5018 Burton Road, near Anglesey Road, has been upgraded with associated carriageway markings to support the passage of HGVs.
What effect could the works have on me?
It is necessary to keep Branston Bridge closed to traffic over 7.5 tonnes or greater than 2.3m wide, however through traffic will be maintained for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
Bus companies have been informed of the current restrictions and alternative services are now effective along the diversion route. Revised timetables should be available on the Traveline website and on Staffordshire County Council bus map and timetable pages on this website two weeks before the amendment date, or you can email publictransport@staffordshire.gov.uk for a timetable.
HGVs previously travelling along Main Street to A38 are also required to use the diversion route, passing beneath the railway bridge to the east near Anglesey Road.
How you can help us
You can help us to get the job done with the minimum of fuss by following this advice:
- Please keep children away from the works and parked machinery to ensure their safety.
- Please follow the signed diversion routes.
- Please do not move traffic management equipment.
- Please do not approach the work site due to unprotected edges.