Gayton Bridge Repairs

As many of you may be aware the Gayton Road Bridge on the way to Bugbrooke has been falling into a state of disrepair for sometime with it finally being closed in September 2024 causing increased traffic flow through the surrounding villages.

Temporary repairs and traffic management measures have so far amounted to over £200,000 and still no permanent repairs have been carried out.

The bridge itself is owned and maintained by Network Rail and is deemed to be structurally sound. The problem lies with the road approaches, which falls under West Northants Council's responsibility. Following the Selby Train Crash in 2021, high "Trief" kerbs were installed on Gayton Bridge to prevent cars ending up on the track. Over time the traffic volume has caused these kerbs to collapse leaving the road unsafe.

WNC has commissioned a design for the repairs, but this scheme is estimated at nearly £1 million which is a huge figure for a single project which they gave not budgeted for.

Bugbrooke Parish Council believes more cost-effective solutions could be explored if there was collaboration between WNC and Network Rail and they are asking residents from surrounding villages to apply more pressure so that the two parties are more likely to act.

You can help by writing to Nick Henstock, Assistant Director for Highways and Transport at WNC nick.henstock@westnorthants.gov.uk and also our MP, Sarah Bool at sarah.bool.mp@parliament.uk

Your letters will help to highlight the urgency of this issue and strengthen the case for immediate action. It is feared that without community pressure the bridge could remain closed for years.