STRATTON Green Bridge will re-open on Saturday morning, a month after it closed to allow the railway line to be electrified.

Some cables, underneath the bridge, which need re-routing, are deeper under the ground than first thought so further work has to be carried out.

Network Rail says the work can be carried out over a few nights so they have said the bridge can re-open, although it will need to shut on several evenings.

However, it will need to be closed again at some point in the new year so the electrification work can take place.

Although no workers have been seen at the bridge for the past few weeks, Network Rail say they have carried out work in the month since the bridge first closed so that when it does close next year, it will be for a shorter period of time than had been expected.

The bridge closed on November 17 and has contributed to the major traffic problems in the town. It was thought that it would remain shut until April.

Andrew Haynes, Network Rail’s west of England project director, said: “We understand the closure of this bridge has inconvenienced local residents and those who commute into Swindon, which is why we were keen to reopen the bridge once it had been confirmed that these services could be diverted at a later date, without the need for a daytime road closure.

“We hope that once the bridge reopens it will contribute towards easing the traffic situation in the town centre.

“The reconstruction of this bridge is essential to enable a new fleet of longer, faster, quieter and greener electric trains to serve commuters in Wiltshire travelling on the route from London to Cardiff.

“While a further closure is therefore necessary, the work we have already undertaken with the utility companies means the duration of this closure will be shorter, and as before the bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.

"Throughout this closure, we will continue to work with the council and assess the work taking place on site to ensure we minimise disruption to local residents and commuters.”