Bridge work in Frome to affect trains
Trains to Frome will be affected this weekend as work to refurbish a bridge will continue.
Portway railway bridge, which is located just north of Frome station and carries the railway over the A362, is undergoing extensive refurbishment and the work means no trains will call at Frome on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November.
Over the first weekend in November, buses replace trains between Westbury and Frome. Trains from London Paddington towards Taunton and from Bristol Temple Meads towards Weymouth will use an alternative route and not stop at Frome.
The bridge, built in the 1970s, is being strengthened to support the more frequent and faster trains that now run over it than when the bridge was opened.
Network Rail says to allow the work to take place, the A362 under the bridge is completely closed to all traffic until Monday 24 November. A diversion is clearly signposted but a pedestrian walkway is still available under bridge.
Frome Independent Market takes place on Sunday 2 November. Those attending are advised to allow more time for their journey and, if driving, follow the signed diversion.
Network Rail lead portfolio manager Vaheesan Maheswaran said: “This weekend of work is a crucial time in the project to make sure we can reopen the road on time.
“We’re sorry for the disruption but it’s vital that we have a bridge that’s safe for trains long into the future.”