Preliminary work on Network Rail’s multi-billion pound electrification of the London to Bristol line is starting to be noticed in the Bath area.
People using the rather dilapidated pedestrian bridge linking the Kennet and Avon Canal footpath with Hampton Row will have noticed a posting!
Seems that in preparation for upgrading Hampton Row footbridge (they’re replacing it!) and lowering the track running beside the canal side retaining wall – so that overhead power lines can be installed – ‘we need to carry out investigation work on and around the structures.
We will fence off our work site before drilling a number of boreholes to the wall and boreholes behind the wall to the canal – as well as hand digging tranches.’
Work is due to take place from Saturday, May 16th and will take up to 15 days.
During this time Network Rail plan to work a picture of days – 8am to 6pm – and nights – 10 om to 6am.
‘We will access the footbridge from the canal towpath, via A36 Beckford Road, and vehicles will be parked off the towpath.
The equipment we use means some disturbance is unavoidable, but we will make every effort to minimise any unnecessary noise.’
It doesn’t say whether access to the footbridge will be affected so l will assume it will remain open!
