Media centre

Monday 14 Mar 2016

Network Rail to hold series of drop-in events on Bridge Street road bridge

Newport residents, road users and railway passengers are invited to attend a series of drop-in events to find out more about the work to prepare the railway under the Bridge Street road bridge for a new fleet of electric trains.

The arrival of the new trains will provide faster, greener, quieter and more reliable journeys for passengers every day across the South Wales Mainline as well as helping to stimulate economic growth by better connecting towns and cities in South Wales and beyond.

The first event will take place at Newport indoor market between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Tuesday 15 March. Members of the Network Rail project team will be on-hand to answer any questions about the works and to explain how electrification will benefit both railway neighbours and passengers.

The bridge in Newport city centre which dates back to 1911 will be replaced with a brand new structure, fit for modern day city centre traffic and will provide increased accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. To safely complete the upgrade work the road over the bridge will be closed to all traffic from 3 May 2016 until late 2016.

Andrew Griffiths, programme manager for Network Rail said: ‘‘Electrifying the railway will mean less noise and pollution for those who live close to the railway line in and around Newport. The increasing numbers of passengers using the railway will also benefit from faster, quieter, more reliable services once this programme of work is completed as part of our £40bn Railway Upgrade Plan.

‘‘We would like to thank the general public in advance for their patience while this essential upgrade work is completed.’’

The scheme to replace the Bridge Street bridge involves a complex and substantial construction programme which will first see the utilities that are currently buried in the road diverted into a temporary supporting structure.  Following this the old bridge will be demolished, before the new bridge is rebuilt in its place. 

A diversionary route will be in place for vehicles for the duration of the project and pedestrians can use the neighbouring Tunnel Terrace footbridge. Network Rail has worked closely with Newport City Council on an appropriate diversion route to minimise disruption to the general public as much as possible.

Further information, including all the details of the drop-in events in Newport, is available at www.networkrail.co.uk/newport.

Anyone who would like more information can also call Network Rail’s 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email CRWales@networkrail.co.uk.

Ends

 

Notes to editors:

 

The Railway Upgrade Plan is Network Rail’s £40bn spending plan for Britain’s railways for the five year period up to 31 March 2019. The plan is designed to provide more capacity, relieve crowding and respond to tremendous growth the railways have seen – a doubling of passengers in the past twenty years. The plan will deliver a bigger, better railway with more trains, longer trains, faster trains with more infrastructure, more reliable infrastructure and better facilities for passengers, especially at stations.

Newport drop-in events:

Tuesday 15 March

10.30am – 2.30pm

Newport Indoor Market

 

Thursday 17 March

3.30pm – 7pm

Share Centre, 88 Stow Hill

 

Monday 21 March

3pm – 7pm

Stow Park Community Centre, 1 Brynhyfryd Rd

 

Wednesday 23 March

10.30am – 2.30pm

Newport Indoor Market

 

Wednesday 27 April

3pm – 7pm

St Woolos Cathedral, Stow Hill

 

Thursday 28 April

10.30am – 2.30pm

Newport Indoor Market