Friday 17 Mar 2017
Mardy Road Bridge to temporarily close for upgrade work 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 20 March 2017 until autumn 2018, as essential work to upgrade the railway continues in preparation for a new fleet of electric trains which will improve journeys for passengers.
The 121 year-old road bridge has reached the end of its lifespan and 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 bridge is currently too low to accommodate the new fleet of trains so will be fully demolished and then rebuilt in a higher position. Once rebuilt, the bridge, which connects Rumney and Newton, will also be able to withstand the modern city centre traffic above, which the original structure was never designed to do.
Preparatory works began on the bridge in late January with a two-way traffic management system in place. Originally, the bridge was due to close on 18 March but following discussions with Cardiff City Council on the likely traffic increase on 18 March for ‘Super Saturday’, Network Rail postponed the closure date to 20 March 2017.
Network Rail has worked closely with Cardiff City Council to improve traffic flows in the area and to implement a diversionary route to minimise disruption to the public as much as possible.
Karl Gilmore, programme manager for Network Rail Wales, said: “The 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 would like to thank the community in advance for their patience as we carry out this essential upgrade work. Electrification will bring long-term benefits 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
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