FOR the first time a well-used bridge over the railway in Royal Wootton Bassett will have an integrated pedestrian route when it re-opens next month.

The Marlborough Road bridge has been closed for seven months as part of the biggest modernisation of the railway network since the Victorian era.

It is due to reopen to traffic on October 21 and now incorporates a new footbridge thanks to £500,000 funding from Wiltshire Council.

Engineers believe the old separate footbridge would have needed replacing within the next decade.

Shortly after the bridge is back in action, two more in the town will close until spring as the next stage of electrification of the line gets under way.

People living in and around the area are being invited by Network Rail to see the plans for the reconstruction of the Bath Road bridge and work on the listed Hunts Mill bridge next door.

“The improvement work we are carrying out in Royal Wootton Bassett is extensive, but essential to bring our railway into the 21st century," said Andy Haynes, project director for the West of England.

“I would urge anyone who wants to know more about our plans or has a question they’d like answered to come along.

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

The drop-in session at the Lime Kiln leisure Centre on Tuesday runs between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

Bath Road and Hunts Mill bridges on the A3102 are set to close on October 24 if the scheme wins planning approval from Wiltshire Council and will remain closed until spring while work is done to prepare them for the electrification of the line.

The temporary link road built for the Marlborough bridge work will be used for the road diversion.

Network Rail is spending £40bn upgrading the country’s rail 20,000 miles of network, including 40,000 bridges and viaducts, in a bid to relieve overcrowding problems and cope with increased passenger numbers.