A NEW railway bridge rapidly taking shape in Burton could be set to divide residents.
The latest picture of the Wetmore Road bridge, taken by Mail reader Andrew Bryon, shows a crane lowering in the latest section of the concrete structure.
But the new bridge, to replace the old one demolished on Christmas Day, may not be to everyone’s taste, according to Mr Bryon.
He said: “The bridge seems to have suddenly taken on a strange shape, going from an old traditional stone-built bridge to a flat, modern plated concrete one.
“I wonder if it will create any comments from local people, who may either love it or hate it. For me, the jury’s still out.”
The bridge is being built by Carillion Rail for Network Rail, as part of a £20 million scheme of improvements.
The project will see four other bridges replaced along the line from Doncaster, in South Yorkshire, to Water Orton, in Warwickshire.
The project is aimed at opening up the line to allow freight trains currently hampered by narrow bridges and platforms to travel the length of the country to the docks at Southampton.
The Burton scheme, which is due to be completed by April, has been a cause of controversy to residents due to noise, traffic and parking issues.
However, Ron Clarke, who represents the area on Staffordshire County Council and organised a public meeting on the scheme in October, said residents were now acclimatising to the temporary disruption caused by the works.
He told the Mail: “There was a lot of uncertainty about the scheme, especially with the old bridge being demolished over Christmas, but by and large residents have accepted it now.
“People will be extremely pleased when it’s finished but they have been very co-operative as long as they are kept informed. I think Carillion have been very supportive.”
Do you love or hate the new bridge? Call reporter Tim Fletcher on 01283 524864 or email tim.fletcher@burtonmail.co.uk
