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Tuesday 16 Jan 2018

Splott Road bridge in Cardiff to close in February for second phase of railway upgrade work

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Residents are reminded that Splott Road bridge will be closed from 4 February while Network Rail carries out modernisation work. This is part of its Railway Upgrade Plan to improve journeys for passengers.

To minimise disruption to the community, the bridge is being replaced in two halves in an innovative example of engineering.

Although the bridge has remained open to single lane traffic during the majority of the upgrade work, the bridge will have to completely close for three weeks next month to allow engineers to safely demolish the bridge. A diversionary route will be in place during the full closure. Pedestrians will still be able to access the bridge except for limited periods, when a minibus with wheelchair access will be available for pedestrians wishing to travel from one side of the bridge to the other. 

Steve Keighley, programme manager for Network Rail in Wales and Borders, said: “The upgrade of Splott Road bridge forms part of our Railway Upgrade Plan to prepare the railway for the overhead wires and posts that will power trains running on electricity.

“Our railway is vital to economic prosperity, linking people, businesses and communities and we would like to thank residents for their patience during this improvement work.

 “The new Intercity Express Trains, which can run on electric and diesel, will provide extra seats and better on-board facilities for thousands of passengers.”

Residents of Splott and Adamsdown are invited to a ‘Street Surgery’ with Network Rail representatives on Clifton Street on Wednesday 17 January between 3-6pm to find out more about the bridge upgrade and the South Wales modernisation project as a whole. Network Rail staff will also be visiting local businesses to answer queries about the work.

A drop-in event will be held on 24 January, between 3-6pm, at Carlisle Bakery on Splott Road.  Piling experts will also be on hand to answer questions about the piling work that will also be taking place. Piling involves the driving of cylindrical steel piles into the ground, undertaken using road / rail vehicles with attached hammers. 

Rail passengers are advised to check before travelling between Cardiff and Newport throughout February, as rail services will be reduced. A rail replacement bus service will run between the two cites on 17, 18 and 25 February. 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