DRIVERS in Frome are being warned of delays during work to repair a railway bridge.

The Portway Overbridge, which crosses the A362 near Frome station, was built to a ‘Western Box’ design – which has been shown to develop weaknesses over time.

Recently, a similar bridge was replaced in Langport, after developing cracks in the metal beams.

Now, the structure in Frome is to undergo repair, with additional steel being added to the underside of the bridge, Network Rail said.

However, it will mean the route will close from Monday (October 6) until Monday, November 24.

“During the core work, the A362 under the railway bridge will be closed to all traffic,” a Network Rail spokesperson said.

A diversion will be signposted, they said, with walkway under the bridge open for pedestrians.

READ MORE: Langport road re-opens after month-long railway bridge works

“Traffic lights will control the junctions between Wallbridge and Great Western Street and Wallbridge and The Retreat,” the spokesperson went on, with a compound already set up at Frome station, meaning some parking spaces are unavailable until November 28.

Train services will be affected on November 1 and 2 – with a bus replacement service in place between Westbury and Frome, while GWR trains between London Paddington and the South West or between Bristol Temple Meads and Weymouth will use an alternative route not stopping at Frome.

Some trains will operate between Bristol Temple Meads and Westbury instead of Frome.

READ MORE: Frome news from your Somerset Leveller