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Wednesday 20 Sep 2017

Footbridge in Newport to close temporarily for railway upgrade

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Tunnel Terrace footbridge in Newport will temporarily close to pedestrians this weekend – from Sunday, 24 September 2017 until early 2018 – while Network Rail carries out modernisation work as part of its Railway Upgrade Plan to improve journeys for passengers.

The city centre footbridge connects Tunnel Terrace with Albert Terrace and runs over the South Wales Mainline. The bridge is currently too low to accommodate the overhead line equipment needed for trains to run on electricity. While the bridge does not require reconstruction, it does require jacking in order for it to be raised. During this time pedestrians will be able to use the neighbouring footpath on Bridge Street road bridge.

Andy Thomas, route managing director for Network Rail in Wales, said: “Our railway is vital to economic growth, linking people, businesses and communities. We are preparing the railway for the equipment needed to power trains running on electricity as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan, which will help to provide more seats for passengers.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience while we carry out upgrade work to raise Tunnel Terrace footbridge in Newport and reassure them that we are doing all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.”

Rail passengers are advised to check before travelling as services between Newport and Cardiff will be reduced between 23 September and 29 October 2017 as work continues to modernise the South Wales Mainline. More detail on rail services and replacement buses, as well as up to date journey information, can be found via www.nationalrail.co.uk or by calling Travel Line Cymru on 0800 464 0000.

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