Road Closure Extended Until June As Bridgeworks Described As ‘Total Debacle’

The road linking Fleckney with Wigston will stay closed to traffic for another three months so work to replace a rail bridge near Wistow can be completed.

Newton Lane should have re-opened at the start of March having been shut since last October, but work needed for the electrification of the tracks was halted because the final road design had not been approved.

It will resume at the site later this week, although more time is now needed to complete it.

Businesses based at Wistow Rural Centre have complained the closure is impacting trade and are seeking compensation from Network Rail, which is carrying out the work.

Owners recently met with Network Rail after a meeting was organised by Harborough MP Neil O’Brien, who has criticised the planning for the work:

Walk on the bridge upgrade is set to resume later this week.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Work has been progressing well at Wigston Road (Newton Lane) bridge but had been temporarily paused while we discussed final details to the design with Leicestershire County Council.

“Network Rail and Leicestershire County Council have now agreed the final bridge design and work will recommence later this week. Our teams have worked hard to replan the railway access to get this work completed as soon as possible and we plan to have this bridge reopened in June 2024.

“The bridge is being reconstructed to accommodate overhead lines to pass underneath as part of the wider Midland Main Line Upgrade, which will allow for the introduction of new bi-mode trains and bring smoother, more reliable, and greener journeys for passengers.

“We are sorry for the disruption this work has caused and we want to thank residents for their continued patience and understanding while this essential work is taking place.”