Ufton Nervet bridge work to start soon

Residents hear latest plans ahead of £8m bridge work

PEOPLE living near the notorious level crossing at Ufton Nervet this week heard the latest details regarding the construction of a long-called-for bridge.

Demands have been made to improve safety at the crossing after seven people died and more than 120 people were injured when a train collided with a car parked at the unmanned half-barrier crossing, on November 6, 2004.

Another four people have died at the crossing since the Ufton Nervet rail tragedy and several near-misses reported.

West Berkshire Council approved Network Rail’s plans to replace the crossing with an £8m bridge in 2015.

Now the rail firm is preparing to construct the bridge, with work expected to last one year.

Residents attended a drop-in event at Sulhamstead Village Hall to view information on the construction process and plans to minimise disruption.

The start of construction follows preparatory work last year, which included moving the memorial garden from the south to the north side of the crossing, to make it more accessible once the bridge has opened.

Ufton Nervet resident Tony Holden said that villagers heard that Ufton Lane, between the canal bridge and A4, would be closed for the work. Diversions will be in place via Sulhamstead Hill and Padworth.

He said: “This project may not be everybody’s idea of the perfect solution, but at least it is a solution that is going to happen, instead of endless arguments.”

Mr Holden added that hedges had been covered in netting to prevent birds from nesting, in order to avoid them being disturbed during the construction. Surveys on wildlife are also being carried out during the works.

Network Rail’s scheme sponsor for the project, Daniel Collins, said: “Beginning the construction of this bridge means we are a step closer to our goal of improving the safety of passengers and the wider public at Ufton Nervet.

“Throughout the development of our plans, we have been keen to minimise disruption for residents as much as possible.”

A dedicated community liaison officer from the construction team was available to answer residents’ enquiries and keep them updated on the bridge’s progress.

Residents can contact the community liaison officer on 03457 114141.