Keadby Rail Bridge closed until 22nd June

Vazons Rail Bridge at Keadby will be out of action until 22nd June Network Rail disclose.

This is owing to a great deal of repair being needed to the draw bridge, Keith Gudgin reports.

Welding repairs

The failure of the bridge is out of use due to equipment failure, and in addition to the welding repairs, a roller girder plate has been identified during the week which has become badly deformed.

This requires replacement before the bridge can be operated for canal traffic. The replacement plate is a bespoke fabrication which will be ready for installation next weekend.

The problem is that owing to the operation of the railway, work can only be accomplished during Saturday nights and Sunday mornings.

The work needed

On the 7th to the 8th the first phase of welding repairs will be undertaken on the bridge.

On the 14th to the 15th the roller girder plate will be fitted to the bridge with the associated specialist welding required.

Then on the 21 to the 22nd the final phase of welding will be undertaken and the bridge tested for correct operation.

With the current estimate for re-opening the bridge to canal traffic being at 9am on Sunday 22nd June.

In the meantime with the long closures with breaches on both the Macclesfield and Bridgewater canals there can be no navigation between the northern canals and the rest of the system until the 22nd June.