The installation of a railway bridge marks a “milestone” moment in the building of a major new housing development in Wellingborough.
It is hoped disruption will be kept to a minimum when beams measuring 41 metres and weighing more than 30 tonnes each are installed for the crossing over the railway at Stanton Cross over the weekend of Saturday February 25 and Sunday February 26.
The bridge installation will coincide with line closures already planned by Network Rail involving the connection of Wellingborough, Kettering and Corby and the four tracking and electrification of the existing railway to increase capacity in the area.
“The bridge installation work is a key milestone in the progression of Stanton Cross and will provide a much needed link between the new development, Wellingborough railway station and the town,” said John Lougher, Bovis Homes group land director responsible for Stanton Cross.
He added: “By carrying out the work over this weekend and coinciding it with the pre-planned track closure by Network Rail, we are able to avoid any further period of disruption for the local community.”
The rail bridge will be built to the north of Wellingborough train station and together with a river bridge over the River Ise they signify the first major infrastructure route for the scheme, which will run from Midland Road, across the railway and through a new town and country park into the new development. known as Route 4.
Temporary works are currently being put in place to allow the beam lifting to take place.
Stanton Cross is a large residential-led development which will deliver 3,650 homes as well as shops, schools, a community centre, a doctor’s surgery, a park and commercial space.