Winchester MP Steve Brine has welcomed a u-turn from Network Rail on plans to replace the railway bridge on Down Farm Lane, Headbourne Worthy.
The Victorian bridge has become increasingly unsafe because of the increase in the amount of heavy freight using the railways, its' age and frequent bridge strikes which have weakened the structure to such an extent that it is experiencing weekly safety inspections.
If no action were taken, those inspections would increase in frequency further and it's likely a speed restriction would be placed on the line; something that would impact greatly on capacity of what is already one of the busiest railway lines in Europe.
Steve says; "There is no question the bridge needs replacing and that was never the debate here."
Network Rail held a very well attended drop-in meeting in St Mary's Church, Headbourne Worthy on Friday 20th February to present their plans to local representatives and residents where they met a chorus of concern about the traffic implications of the new structure with its increased height limit.
Steve Brine met with Network Rail officials at that event to convey the concern of his constituents and adds; "I've had a huge response from constituents in the village about this and they were dead right to be concerned.
"In recent weeks since the network Rail event I've spoken with the landowner Simon Browne, senior figures at the county and the Rail Minister who was clear we can replace the bridge and bring it back into safe use without exposing the area to heavy through traffic."
Following pressure, Network Rail have responded with revised plans which maintain the current height and protect the village. In a letter to Mr Brine dates 11th March 2015, NR say;
Network Rail wants to be a good neighbour when under taking works that impact on the local communities bordered by the railway. Network Rail must also ensure it meets its network license commitments to safely operate and maintain the rail network. To meet these requirements it is proposed that amendments to the design of Millsden Lane/Down Farm Lane Bridge are made to maintain the existing height restriction of 10 feet.
Steve concludes; "Network Rail have responded well and deserve credit for listening to us but we owe a great deal more to the landowner Simon Browne who I met with on 23rd February at Upper Farm. Simon has been resolute in his determination to only agree to the work taking place on his land once these undertakings had been received. I hope my constituents will agree this is a positive outcome; sometimes good news does happen!"
More information ...
Download the letter to Steve Brine from Network Rail
Drop-in day planned for bridge proposals
MP attends Down Farm Lane bridge event (and download slides from the session)
