Network Rail is set to close the A362 completely for seven weeks as it carries out essential refurbishment work on the Portway railway bridge in Frome. The bridge, originally built in the 1970s, supports a railway line over the busy roadway and now requires extensive maintenance to ensure long-term safety and reliability.
The upgrade will involve strengthening the bridge by installing additional steel supports underneath to better distribute the weight of modern trains, which are both faster and more frequent than when the bridge was first constructed. Alongside the structural reinforcement, the bridge will be grit-blasted, repainted, and fitted with new anti-collision markings to enhance visibility and protection.
Work begins on Friday, September 19, and is expected to continue until Friday, November 28. The A362 road closure will be in effect from 6 a.m. on October 6 until midnight on November 24. During this period, clearly signposted diversions will direct traffic, while traffic lights will manage flow at nearby junctions including Wallbridge, Great Western Street, and The Retreat. Pedestrian access beneath the bridge will remain open throughout the project.
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Network Rail lead portfolio manager Vaheesan Maheswaran emphasized the importance of the project: “This essential work is critical to ensuring trains continue to run safely and efficiently for decades to come. We appreciate the patience of road users and local residents while we carry out these improvements, which will benefit passengers traveling from Frome well into the future.”
Morgan Sindall project manager Karl Butler commented, “We are proud to support Network Rail with these vital works on Portway railway bridge. Although the closure will cause some temporary disruption, we are liaising closely with local partners to minimize impact and complete the project safely and efficiently. These enhancements will secure the railway infrastructure’s long-term resilience, benefiting both passengers and the wider community.”