Network Rail are closing another bridge in Cardiff as part of a plan to electrify railways between Cardiff and London.
Mardy Road Bridge is more than 120 years old and connects Rumney and Newton in the east of Cardiff.
Temporary traffic lights have been installed until the bridge closes in March. It will stay closed for more than a year and locals say the closure will cause disruption to the area.
Network Rail say the bridge needs to be replaced because it’s coming to the end of its lifespan and it’s too low for the overhead wires used by electric trains. The company closed Splott Road bridge at the end of last year for the same reason.
Local Labour councillor, Bob Derbyshire says it’s a “necessary evil”. He says “There are only two main ways out of Rumney and the closure will put a strain on these roads.
“But it’s something that needs to be done.”
Local businesses say they are worried that the closure will affect them.
Sam O’Sullivan owns the SOS Athletic Excellence gym nearby. He says many of his members feel put out.
“We will have to put on extra classes and my personal trainers will have to work longer hours to make up for the time it will take members to get here.”
In a statement Network Rail said, “Reconstruction of this bridge is essential as we prepare the South Wales main line 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.”
