WORK to replace the road over rail bridge in Bradford on Avon is four months behind schedule because of industrial action by railway workers and the recent cold weather.

Network Rail Infrastructure hoped to complete the work in April after starting the project last September but it is now not expected to be completed before August.

In a newsletter to the local community, the company said: “We're experiencing significant delays to our work programme through factors including the extreme cold weather and industrial strike action.

“We are currently re-planning the programme with an anticipated finish date of August 2023.”

Last year, it began work on the eight-month project to replace the old bridge which could no longer be economically repaired.

Network Rail plans to deconstruct the bridge in St Margaret’s Street, Bradford on Avon, maintain the existing abutments and build a new bridge in its place.

The work has led to the road being closed to traffic, and a footpath next to the bridge has also been partially closed.

Some residents have expressed concerns about the length of time the work will take and at being unable to park near their homes.

Outlining its plans last year, Network Rail said: "The bridge is life-expired and in a very poor condition which cannot be economically repaired.

"This will prevent the bridge from being involuntary weight restricted or closed, it will also provide a major maintenance-free period for at least 25 years."

The company added the project was the “least disruptive” way of replacing the bridge.

Traffic diversions have been put in place via Junction Road to the B3109 while the work is taking place.

The bus stop beside the United Church on the road across from the bridge will also not be in use.

During this time, buses towards Trowbridge will continue to pick up at the Town Bridge and then at a temporary bus stop on Junction Road before heading towards Trowbridge.

The closure order says: "It is anticipated that the works will take the stated duration to complete depending upon weather conditions.

"Access will be maintained for residents and businesses where possible, although delays are likely due to the nature of the works."

Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for transport, previously said the council's streetworks team were holding talks with Network Rail to ensure any traffic disruption would be kept to a minimum.