Work is underway to build a new bridge in Berkshire, Network Rail has announced.

Engineers have began developing the structure at Ufton Nervet to improve safety and replace the level crossing.

The bridge will separate road and rail traffic at the site, which has been the subject of several incidents of misuse.

In 2004, a train and a car collided at the crossing resulting in seven people being killed and 71 injured.

The start of the year-long project follows preparatory work carried out last year, including moving the location of the memorial garden from the south to the north side of the crossing to make it more accessible once the new bridge has opened.

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In addition, Network Rail's project team is due to hold a drop-in event to keep local residents up-to-date on the latest plans.

Daniel Collins, scheme sponsor for the project, said: "Beginning the construction of this bridge means we are a step closer to our goal of improving the safety of passengers and the wider public at Ufton Nervet.

"Throughout the development of our plans we have been keen to minimise disruption for residents as much as possible and are holding this drop-in event to keep them up-to-date on the stages of the construction process."

The exhibition will take place between 4pm and 7:30pm at Sulhamstead village hall on Monday, 21 March.

(LM)