DRIVERS in Chipping Sodbury are being reminded that a main road out of the town will be closed to traffic for two weeks later this month.

Dodington Road, near Chipping Sodbury School, will be shut from Monday, May 23 until Sunday, June 5.

The closure will allow Network Rail to make safety improvements to the railway bridge as it prepares for the electrification of the Great Western Main Line.

Engineers will raise the sides of the bridge and install anti-climb coping stones to provide a barrier between overhead high voltage electric lines that are required to power the new fleet of electric trains.

But the work has been criticised by people who live along Dodington Road and argue the higher sides will reduce visibility on the already dangerous bridge.

Resident Stephen Gregson said: “They are trying to improve the bridge while making the road more dangerous.

“The danger is just being increased on the road because the visibility is already pretty poor but this will make it worse.”

Network Rail has said the works are in line with national policy and it was not responsible for road safety.

Andy Haynes, project director for the west of England, said the closure had been planned during half-term to minimise disruption and remaining work would be completed during a series of four Saturday night closures from 10pm until 8am, starting on June 11 and finishing at the beginning of July. Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained throughout the duration of the upgrade.

Added Mr Haynes: “I’d like to thank the local community in advance for their patience and understanding while we carry out this improvement work.

“The work at Dodington Road bridge is an essential part of our Railway Upgrade Plan and will pave the way for electrification and the benefits this will bring for residents. These benefits include faster trains with more seats and more legroom, and less noise and cleaner air for those who live close to the railway.”

A diversion route will be in place from Bowling Hill to Yate, up Kennedy Way and Cotswold Road to the A46 and down Wapley Road back to Sodbury Lane.