The bridge over the railway at Stratton Green, Swindon, has reopened to the public, after work to prepare it for electrification and a new fleet of electric trains was completed on time.
The reconstruction of the bridge is an essential part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan to provide a bigger, better, more reliable railway for passengers. As part of the Great Western Electrification Programme, work began on the bridge in November 2015 to create the additional space needed for the overhead lines that will power the new fleet of longer, faster, quieter and greener electric trains to run underneath.
“Now the bridge has reopened, residents and businesses in Swindon are a step closer to the benefits that electrification and the new electric trains will bring. These benefits include faster trains with more seats and more leg room, and less noise and cleaner air for those who live close to the railway. Faster journeys and the ability to move more people by train will also help to promote economic growth in the south west,” Andy Haynes, Network Rail’s project director for the west of England, said.
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