Broken Cross Bridge reopened (From Salisbury Journal)

Broken Cross Bridge reopened

10:49am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in Headlines By Jill Harding

AFTER months of misery for business owners and commuters, Broken Cross railway bridge re-opened this week.

The first cars were allowed over the bridge at 11.15pm on Sunday night much to the relief of commuters, residents and businesses in the Winterbourne Valley.

The A338 north of Salisbury was shut last October while Network Rail raised the bridge to allow higher freight trains to travel under it.

The work was initially due to finish on February 14 but it over-ran due to bad weather, causing further frustration for people living nearby.

“The date of February 14 was always an aspiration but it simply wasn’t possible with the freezing weather,” said a spokesman for Network Rail.

“We do unreservedly and sincerely apologise to the residents and businesses for the inconvenience they have experienced while this work was carried out.

“It was vital to allow the new higher freight trains under the bridge to get more lorries and traffic off the roads and onto the railway network which will bring long term benefits for the environment.”