Contractors working on the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane in Little Stoke will be working overnight and on Saturdays and Sundays for the next seven weeks in an effort to make sure the site is ready for a planned nine-day closure of the railway line over Easter.
In a letter sent to stakeholders last Friday (10th January), South Gloucestershire Council revealed that piling work to construct foundations for the replacement bridge has been affected by “unforeseen ground conditions”.
Until now, the majority of the potentially noisy piling work has been carried out during the day, but the council says Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths Ltd now need to extend their working hours with an increase in the number of overnight shifts and weekend working.
Piling was originally due to start on 14th October 2019 and last approximately three months, meaning that it would now have been nearing completion. It was also stated that overnight piling would be required for no more than 18 nights and any weekend work would take place only on Saturday mornings.
In reality, piling commenced three weeks later than planned on 4th November 2019, with 8am to 5pm shifts being used on both Saturday and Sunday 14th/15th December 2019.
In the revised schedule, for approximately eight weeks from last Monday (6th January 2020), contractors will be working the following shifts:
- 7.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday
- 5pm to 3am Monday to Friday
- 8am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday
Work to be carried out will include piling and the construction of the new bridge in the adjacent Horizon 38 compound.
A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said:
“Network Rail and their contractors Alun Griffiths will put in place a number of noise mitigation measures such as sound barriers around the piling equipment. Noise and vibration levels will also continue to be monitored by the council’s Environmental Health Team.”
“If you have any questions regarding the piling work on Gipsy Patch Lane, please call the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.”
More information and related links:
- Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (SGC)
- MetroBus Extension Build (SGJ)
- Photo album: Gipsy Patch Lane Railway Bridge Replacement (SGJ)
Photos: Night-time piling work at the railway bridge on Friday 10th January 2020.
