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Wednesday 2 Aug 2017

REMINDER: Splott Road bridge in Cardiff closed from next weekend while Network Rail carries out upgrade work

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Residents are reminded that Splott Road bridge will be closed from 13 August while Network Rail carries out modernisation work as part of the Railway Upgrade Plan to improve journeys for passengers.

The bridge, which connects Adamsdown to Splott, is currently too low to accommodate the overhead line equipment needed for trains running on electricity and, at 117 years old, the bridge has reached the end of its lifespan. The existing bridge is being demolished and replaced with a new and improved structure, heightened to give clearance for trains running on electricity and strengthened to withstand modern city centre traffic.

Andy Thomas, route managing director for Network Rail Wales, said: “We are reconstructing Splott Road bridge as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan to prepare the railway for the overhead wires and posts that will power trains running on electricity.

“The new Intercity Express trains, which can run on electric and diesel, will provide extra seats and faster services for thousands of passengers. It will also mean a quieter and greener environment for communities living alongside the railway. We are working closely with Arriva Trains Wales and Great Western Railway to improve services for passengers.

“We would like to thank residents for their patience and reassure them that we are only closing the bridge when it is absolutely necessary for public safety.”

The bridge is being rebuilt in two phases to help maintain traffic flow and pedestrian access. It will be closed to all vehicles for three weeks while half of the bridge - the carriageway carrying traffic from Adamsdown to Splott - is demolished. The bridge is expected to reopen on 4 September. Following the reconstruction of the Adamsdown to Splott side of the bridge, the remaining side of the bridge will close, with the second phase of the bridge’s reconstruction completed by autumn 2018.

Pedestrians will still be able to access the bridge except for limited periods of demolition work when the bridge will be fully closed with a diversionary route in place. During these times, a fully accessible minibus service will be available to transport members of the public from one side of the bridge to the other.

Work is ongoing at Adamsdown footbridge, which is closed every Saturday from 10pm until 7am on Sunday until autumn 2017. The footbridge will be completely closed over August bank holiday weekend from 26 – 28 August.

Rail passengers are advised to check before travelling as services between Newport and Cardiff will be reduced between 19 August and 3 September 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