Emergency works to be carried out to Portway overbridge

Essential emergency works are due to be carried out on the railway bridge over the A362 in Frome to ensure it remains safe for decades to come.

The bridge, known as the Portway overbridge, carries the railway over the A362 and was constructed in the 1970s.

However, with faster and more frequent trains using Frome’s Railway Station, additional steel needs to be added to the underside of the bridge to ensure it can more effectively distribute the weight of trains and prevent any faults developing in the future.

Network Rail has also said the bridge will be grit blasted and repainted and new anti-collision markings will be installed.

The works will start on Friday 19th September to Friday 28th November and will take place during the day from 7am to 6pm and occasionally overnight from 8pm on a Saturday to 8am on Sunday morning.

The core work takes place from 6am on Monday 6th October to midnight on Monday 24th November 2025. Work will be carried out during the day, at night and at weekends.

During the core work, the A362 under the railway bridge will be closed to all traffic with a signposted diversion. A walkway under the bridge will be open for pedestrians. Traffic lights will control the junctions between Wallbridge and Great Western Street and Wallbridge and The Retreat.