LOCALS affected by the forthcoming closure of the Stratton Green Bridge will have an opportunity to chat with Network Rail officials later this month.

It was recently revealed the rail organisation are set to close the key route to traffic for much of the winter as part of the Great Western electrification project.

The closure is set to come into place in early November and last until March 2016, prompting fears the roads will become gridlocked.

It is work which was due to be completed last year but problems at the time meant it had to be delayed, although the bridge was closed for a month angering many.

However, the nature of the work is different this time around as Network Rail is looking to raise the bridge rather than replace it as was the initial plan.

As a result pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use the bridge and it is just motorists which will have to find alternative routes.

Andrew Haynes, Network Rail’s project director for the west of England, said: “We know the closure of this bridge last year inconvenienced residents, which is why we reassessed our work programme to ensure that as much of the work as possible is carried out whilst maintaining access.

“We are now nearing the point in the project where the actual reconstruction needs to take place and so we are continuing to work closely with Swindon Borough Council to minimise disruption and complete the work in as short a timescale as possible.

“This essential work will pave the way for electrification and the benefits this will bring for local residents. These benefits include faster trains with more seats and more legroom, and less noise and pollution for those who live close to the railway line.”

A drop-in event to explain more about the work and provide residents with an opportunity to ask questions, will be held on September 17 between 4pm and 7pm at Grange Leisure Centre in Stratton.

The council has little say in the closure but has been working with Network Rail to decide on a diversion route which involves sending motorists around the transfer bridges.

There are currently road works taking place on Great Western Way but it is hoped these will be finished by the time the closure comes into place.

However, Councillor Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan), the cabinet member for transport, says it highlights the need for more crossings over the railway.

He said: “The electrification work is important and will see the existing bridge demolished, and rebuilt with a new set of foundations so disruption cannot be avoided.

“These Network Rail works shows that Swindon really needs more crossings over the railway line if we expect vehicles to move freely around the town in the decades ahead, and this has been raised at the highest levels for discussion. "