WORK to repair a defect that has already seen cracks emerge on a Langport railway bridge is starting next month (July) – with a main route through the town set to close for almost a month.

A Network Rail team is set to install a compound behind the former Travis Perkins site, off North Street, on July 14, before starting core work on the bridge – which spans the main A378 through Langport, near Tesco – on August 4.

It comes after a design defect was noted in the bridge – and others of a similar style.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Reconstructed in 1971, the railway bridge is a Western Box design, also known as a Llantarnum style structure.

“These now need attention as a defect may result in cracks forming underneath the deck.

“We regularly inspect the bridge to check for the existing fracture worsening or new fractures forming.”

They said the bridge, which carries trains between Taunton and Castle Cary, has 44 cross girders – 22 on each side.

“There is a design defect at the end of each of these that may eventually result in fracturing of the steel beam. One has already started to crack,” the spokesperson went on.

“We’ll strengthen the bridge by adding new support beams underneath. This will stop the weight of trains going through the older beams and causing fractures to form.

“The entire bridge will be grit-blasted, cleaned and repainted – and we’ll be fixing parts of the stonework at either end of the structure.”

The core work is set to last almost a month, running from August 4 to 31, with crews working “non-stop, day and night”, Network Rail said.

READ MORE: Work underway to replace busy footbridge in Langport

Other work will take place until September 22, with further overnight works planned for September 13, 14, 20 and 21.

“We’ll be using super-silenced generators and directional lighting to keep disturbance to nearby residents to a minimum,” the spokesperson said.

“The nature of our work means some extra noise and traffic is unavoidable.

“We also need to work around the clock at times to complete the project as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience and we’ll do our best to keep any disturbance to a minimum.”

Langport A378 road closure for railway bridge works:

To enable the work to take place safely, the A378 through Langport will be closed at the railway bridge from August 4 to 31 from the junction of Eastover, North Street, and Moor Close to the junction of Moor Close, The Avenue, and Somerton Road.

A diversion route will be signposted via the A378–A358–A38–A361–A372 and vice versa.

A route will be kept open under the bridge for pedestrians.

August 4 to September 1: Full road closure on A378. No access under the railway bridge. Diversion in place.

September 1 to September 12: Road open. Three-way traffic lights at night.

September 13 and 14: Full road closure on A378. No access under the railway bridge. Diversion in place.

September 20 and 21: Full road closure on A378. No access under the railway bridge. Diversion in place.