Media centre

Thursday 22 Mar 2018

Green Lane road bridge reopens following reconstruction

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Green Lane road bridge reopened to motorists yesterday, Wednesday 21 March, as work continues to modernise the railway between London and Cardiff. 

Modernising the railway between London and Cardiff will allow passengers to fully benefit from GWR’s brand new bi-mode Intercity Express Trains. The new trains provide more seats and better on-board facilities for passengers travelling between the two capital cities and beyond, with the new trains running between Cardiff and Swansea on diesel.

The bridge, which connects Peterstone Wentlooge with St Mellons, closed to traffic in July 2016. It has been completely reconstructed and raised to accommodate the overhead line equipment needed for trains running on electricity to Cardiff. 

The new bridge has a lifespan of around 120 years, and has been strengthened to withstand modern day traffic and heavier vehicles.

Steve Keighley, programme manager for Network Rail in Wales and Borders, said: 

“We are delighted to have completed the upgrade of Green Lane road bridge. The community will benefit from an improved structure, and the work brings us one step closer to completing the modernisation of the South Wales Mainline.

“We worked closely with Arriva Trains Wales and GWR to ensure people could get to where they needed to be during the bridge demolition last year, and would like to thank passengers and residents for their patience during the upgrade work.”

Hawse Lane bridge, connecting Coedkernew and St Brides Wentlooge, is due to reopen in spring 2018.