Media centre

Monday 6 Feb 2017

Splott Road Bridge in Cardiff to be upgraded as part of the electrification of the South Wales Mainline

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Upgrading the railway to prepare for a new fleet of electric trains that will improve journeys for passengers is one step closer to completion today, as plans to replace Splott Road Bridge were announced.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place on Splott Road Bridge in Cardiff from 27 February until autumn 2018 whilst the bridge is completely rebuilt. The essential upgrade work will begin following Beresford Road Bridge reopening ahead of schedule on 17 February.

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

To minimise disruption to residents, the bridge will largely remain open throughout its reconstruction, with a single lane closure and temporary traffic lights in operation on the structure. Pedestrian access will remain in place on the bridge for the bulk of the works. However, to ensure the safety of the general public and our workforce, during periods of demolition work, the bridge will be fully closed with a diversionary route in place.

Network Rail will host a public drop-in event at the Carlisle Bakery on Splott Road, on Thursday, 16 February between 3pm and 6pm. Members of the project team will be on hand to answer any questions about the works and no appointments are necessary.

Karl Gilmore, programme manager for Network Rail Wales said: “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 and encourage them to come along to our drop-in event to find out more about the project and the long-term benefits electrification will bring 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

Notes to editor:

The drop in event will take place at: the Carlisle Bakery on Splott Road, on Thursday, 16 February between 3pm and 6pm.

The carriageway carrying traffic from Splott into Adamsdown will close on 27 February, and its demolition will take place in August 2017. It will then be reconstructed and reopened in early 2018. The remaining side of the bridge will then close, with the second phase of the bridge’s reconstruction completed by autumn 2018.