Bridge to close for three weeks

A CITY bridge will be closed for three weeks for engineering works.

Splott Road Bridge is being replaced by Network Rail to get the railway ready for electrified trains.

Work has been ongoing to replace the bridge in two halves, meaning it has been able to remain open to some traffic.

There has been single lane traffic for most of the upgrade work.

But it will close for three weeks in February so that the bridge can be demolished.

The road will be completely closed to all vehicles between February 4 and 27.

A diversion will be in place during the closures.

Pedestrians will still be able to access the bridge except for limited periods, when a minibus with wheelchair access will be available for people wanting to travel from one side of the bridge to the other.

There is also expected to be no pedestrian access between 7am and 5pm on February 12 and 13.

On February 14 it will be closed from 7am until 12.01am on February 16.

Another closure will take place between 10am on February 24 and 5am on February 26.

Steve Keighley, programme manager for Network Rail in Wales and Borders, said: “The upgrade of Splott Road bridge forms part of our railway upgrade plan to prepare the railway for the overhead wires and posts that will power trains running on electricity.

“Our railway is vital to economic prosperity, linking people, businesses and communities and we would like to thank residents for their patience during this improvement work.

“The new Intercity Express Trains, which can run on electric and diesel, will provide extra seats and better onboard facilities for thousands of passengers.”

Events are being held for local residents to find out more.

Network Rail staff will be at Carlisle Bakery on Splott Road next Wednesday, between 3pm and 6pm, to give the public a chance to find out more about the bridge upgrade and the South Wales modernisation project as a whole.

Network Rail has also warned there will be reduction to services between Cardiff and Newport during February, as rail services will be reduced.

A rail replacement bus service will run between the two cites on February 17, 18 and 25.

For more information, call Network Rail’s 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 114141 or email CRWales@networkrail.co.uk