Shropshire Star

Easter trains disrupted in Shropshire as railway bridge is replaced in Albrighton

Trains are suspended from a railway station this bank holiday weekend, adding further congestion to the region's roads.

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No trains will run through Albrighton station, near Cosford, until Tuesday and a diversion route and a rail replacement service is in operation.

Network Rail is carrying out the work to replace the Grade II listed railway bridge, which has kept the station closed since April 8.

Most of the bridge is approaching the end of its useful and safe life and will have to be renewed. The cast iron parapets will be retained and refurbished and overall the work will ensure that the bridge lasts a further 120 years.

Station Road underneath the bridge was also closing so a large crane could put the new bridge into place.

Replacement buses will be running, except this weekend.

Buses take 10 minutes in each direction and run to an amended timetable, so passengers are warned to allow extra time for journeys.

Car parking will be available for free at Cosford for passengers who want to drive there instead.

The Grade II-listed bridge at Albrighton station was originally built in about 1880 and had part of the structure replaced more than 80 years ago.

Drop-in events have been held in Albrighton in the recent months to make sure residents are aware of the work.

Dominic Mottram, of Network Rail, said the work would cause some delays.

He said about the temporary closure: "We recognise the work to install this new bridge will cause some disruption and thank people in advance for their patience.

"This bridge needs to be replaced and the renewal is part of our Railway Upgrade Plan to deliver a better and more reliable railway."

Albrighton has recently been one of four stations in Shropshire which has had new self-service ticket machines.

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