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Thursday 19 Jan 2017

Mardy Road Bridge in Cardiff to be upgraded as electrification of the South Wales Mainline continues

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Mardy Road Bridge in Cardiff will close to road traffic from 18 March 2017 until autumn 2018, as essential work to upgrade the railway continues in preparation for a new fleet of electric trains.

The 121 year-old road bridge, which connects Rumney and Newton, will be replaced with a new and improved structure to give clearance for electric trains beneath as part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan. The new structure will also be able to withstand the modern city centre traffic above.

As the bridge is currently too low to accommodate the new fleet of trains it has to be fully demolished and then rebuilt in a higher position.

This complex engineering project is taking place over the busy South Wales Mainline. It will begin with ensuring the extensive number of utilities – including telecoms, electricity and water – are diverted from within the old structure and remain undisrupted throughout the duration of the upgrade works. The demolition of the old bridge will commence in October 2017. Engineers will then begin construction of the new and improved bridge which will reopen to motorists by autumn 2018.

Some advance preparatory works will begin on Monday, 30 January and temporary two-way traffic management will be in operation on the road bridge to ensure work can be safely carried out.

Network Rail has been working closely with Cardiff City Council on an appropriate road diversion route to minimise disruption to the public as much as possible when the road bridge closes.

The existing footbridge located next to the bridge will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the duration of the works. The new bridge will be wider and will include the footpaths, improving access on this busy pedestrian route.

Network Rail will host a public drop-in event at the Rumney Partnership Hub on Thursday, 26 January between 3pm and 7pm. Members of the project team will be on hand to answer any questions about the works and no appointments are necessary.

Karl Gilmore, programme manager for Network Rail Wales said: “Reconstruction of this bridge, as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan, is essential as we prepare the South Wales Mainline for the new fleet of electric trains. Electric trains will result in more seats, faster, more reliable journeys for passengers and an economic boost for South Wales thanks to better connectivity.

“I understand closing the road for this length of time is not ideal however, there are a number of utilities that need to be worked around and the bridge needs to be completely demolished and rebuilt over the busiest stretch of railway in Wales-it's a very complex project.”

 “I would like to thank the community in advance for their patience as we carry out this essential upgrade work and encourage them to come along to our drop-in event to find out more about the project and the long-term benefits electrification will bring to residents and passengers in the area.”

Electrification of the mainline to Cardiff is expected by 2019.

For more information, please telephone our 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email us at CRWales@networkrail.co.uk

Notes to editor:

The drop in event will take place at:

The Rumney Partnership Hub, 24 Llanstephan Road, CF3 3JA on Thursday, 26 January between 3pm – 7pm. No appointments are necessary.