MOTORISTS are set for more disruption over the winter because Network Rail are set to close the Stratton Green Bridge to carry out essential work.

The entire length of the Great Western Line is currently being electrified and as part of the work the bridge needs replacing.

As a result, a key section of Swindon Road and Stratton Road will need to be closed while the work is carried out.

The exact length of the closure is not known but the rail organisation has been given permission to carry out the closure from November 9 until February 29 next year.

This work was initially meant to be carried out last year when the Stratton Green Bridge was scheduled to close for four months.

However, soon after engineers started they discovered wires and pipes which had been laid deeper than first thought so after one month it was decided to postpone the works and re-open the bridge.

During the month of the closure it was chaos for drivers, who were forced to take the two kilometre diversion via the Transfer Bridges.

Although the bridge was not replaced as intended some of the work was done last year so this closure is not as long.

The application for the works reads: “This Order is being introduced to allow Network Rail to install a new railway bridge and the effect of the Order is to prohibit vehicles from proceeding on to Swindon Road from Greenbridge Roundabout and on the slip road east end of Stratton Road for approx. 60 metres.

“For Swindon Road closure traffic will be diverted along on Drakes Way, Ocotal Way, Transfer Bridges Roundabouts, Cirencester Way, Gipsy Lane and Bridge End Road.

“For Stratton Road closure traffic will be diverted along Stratton Road, Ocotal Way and Drakes Way.”