Alterations are proposed to a railway bridge in Rutland to ensure it meets safety standards.

Network Rail has applied to Rutland County Council to carry out the work on Manton Road Bridge, Oakham Road, Manton.

The application concerning the railway bridge on the A6003 north of Manton said: "Despite recent repairs to the arch, structure GSM2/47 Manton Road bridge requires significant intervention to ensure the bridge meets necessary standards.

"As possible options for further repairs to the bridge are not possible, there is now a need to partially replace the structure.

"The proposal is to replace the existing single span masonry arch underbridge with a steel U-deck bridge in accordance with Network Rail Design standards.

"Walkways will be provided to both sides of the bridge. The existing arch will be dismantled to a level below the existing arch springer level, and deep reinforced concrete impost units (faced in brickwork to match existing) will be required. The brick wing walls are to remain.

"The proposed headroom over the road will be significantly increased as a result of the reconstruction to over 6.0m and therefore collision protection beams are not proposed."

The application also said: "As the bridge is already in existence the proposals are simply an alteration of an existing structure and cannot reasonably be located elsewhere.

"It then turns to whether the design is detrimental to the amenity of the locality.

"Whilst we acknowledge the existing bridge has some aesthetic quality, it is not located within a conservation area and is not listed nor located within a designated special landscape area.

"The proposals are similar to bridge designs used elsewhere on the railway network and we intend to colour finish the structure in Holly Green in order to better blend with the rural landscape. The existing wing walls will be

repaired and retained."

Recommending approval, the application added: "We consider that the proposal will not significantly detract from the visual amenities of the locality but would improve local infrastructure, having a positive impact upon the highway beneath and the safety of the railway above."

Rutland County Council has yet to determine the application.

No details as to when the work would be carried out or whether the road would face any closures were given in the planning application.