Media centre

Monday 16 Jul 2018

Splott road bridge reopens following reconstruction

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Engineers have completed the reconstruction of Splott Road bridge in Cardiff, as work to modernise the South Wales Mainline continues.  The bridge, which connects Adamstown with Splott, was rebuilt in two phases to help maintain traffic flow and pedestrian access - minimising disruption to the local community.

 The 118-year-old bridge needed to be raised to give clearance for the equipment needed to power trains running on electricity.  In an innovative feat of engineering, it was demolished and rebuilt in two halves, reducing the period of full closure from an anticipated 12 months to two three-week phases.  Splott residents and businesses now have the benefit of a brand-new bridge, built to withstand modern traffic flows, with wider footpaths to improve accessibility. 

Gareth Yates, project manager for Network Rail in Wales and Borders, said: “We are delighted that this milestone in the modernisation of the South Wales Mainline is complete. We would like to thank passengers and residents for their patience during the upgrade work.”

History was unearthed during the bridge’s reconstruction, when Network Rail contractors delivering the second phase of upgrade work in February found a handwritten note inside one of its pillars. The note, dated from 1899, lists the local businesses which supplied the materials used to build the bridge and is now on display at the Cardiff Story Museum.

The work forms part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan for Wales, to enable GWR's new fleet of Intercity Express Trains to run between London and Cardiff on electricity, improving journeys for passengers and creating a quieter environment for lineside neighbours.