Network Rail is apologising in advance to local residents, businesses and passengers who use Castle Cary Railway Station in Somerset. The apology is for the disruption likely to be caused to rail users, businesses and people using the A371 near Ansford Bridge.

A full road closure order comes into force on Monday, 10 September to Sunday, 23 December 2012 between Ansford Bridge and Castle Cary Railway Station.

The work is likely to last 19 weeks while strengthening repairs to the bridge deck on Ansford Bridge take place.

Robin Basu, Network Rail’s community relations manager for Wales & West, said: “We’d like to apologise in advance for the disruption this work is likely to cause.

“This is obviously going to have a big impact on local residents, businesses and passengers, who will have to go on a long diversion in order to reach the station.”

Advance warning notices will be placed on site and posters will go up around Castle Cary Railway Station informing rail users about the works, which are scheduled for completion by end-January 2013.

Additionally, Network Rail will be writing to local residents and Ansford parish councillors, as well as contacting businesses who will be affected by the works.

Separate diversion routes will be put in place for both car and heavy goods vehicles to ensure minimal disruption is caused to journey times.

Robin added: “We will be providing Somerset County Council and other concerned parties with weekly updates on progress.

“We will be working hard to minimise the disruption and would be grateful if local people, businesses and passengers can bear with us while this work is taking place.

“We are expecting seven-day working where possible and will try to complete the strengthening as quickly as possible.”