Critical repairs to Barnes Bridge will commence in three weeks’ time, with Network Rail planning to carry out a programme of essential work.
Engineers will replace all 48 wooden wheel timbers on the Wessex route bridge with Fibre-reinforced Foamed Urethane (FFU) alternatives. These new wheel timbers have an extended lifespan of 50 years and are more durable than their wooden alternatives, requiring less maintenance.
Mark Smith, Network Rail project manager, said: “This work is critical for the continued safe and reliable running of the railway over Barnes Bridge. During this time, the railway between Kew Bridge and Barnes will be closed to allow our engineers to safely complete their work and a rail replacement service will be in operation to ensure passengers can continue their journeys.”
Working on scaffold platforms underneath the bridge, engineers will also work to strengthen its spans. In order to alert maritime traffic of the reduced height of the bridge, a bale of hay will be hung from Barnes Bridge, as well as a white light at night, in accordance with ancient tradition and the Port of London Thames Bye-Laws.
New baseplates will also be installed, connecting the tracks to the sleepers, and the alignment of tracks approaching and leaving the bridge will be improved.
During the period of repair work to the bridge, 1.4 kilometres of conductor rail between Chiswick and Kew Junction will also be renewed.
Image credit: Network Rail
