UKs Network Rail to replace Cardiff railway bridge

TIN news:     UK rail infrastructure operator Network Rail is set to rebuild a railway bridge in Cardiff between Adamsdown and Splott and spans the South Wales Main Line.
 
With this £8m project, Network Rail will replace the bridge with a larger and enhanced structure to deliver a modern, bigger and better railway for South Wales.
 
The bridge will be closed from January 2015 and construction of the new bridge is expected to be completed in mid-2016. It was originally built in 1902.
"Cardiff's continuing economic growth and development will enjoy further benefits from improved journey times and more frequent trains."
 
The new bridge will be slightly higher than the existing one to offer extra headroom needed for future electrification of the railway.
 
Once operational, the new bridge will be able to accommodate heavier road loads.
 
Cardiff councillor Ramesh Patel said: "Replacement of the Windsor Road Bridge is an essential improvement, which will provide an updated structure to accommodate modern vehicles, as well as permitting the eventual electrification of the main rail line.
 
"Cardiff's continuing economic growth and development will enjoy further benefits from improved journey times and more frequent trains."
 
Meanwhile, Network Rail-South West Trains Alliance has published a blueprint for the future of passenger and freight services from Waterloo to the south and west of England over the next 30 years.
 
Named as Wessex Route Plan, the report proposes longer trains, new platforms, double-decker carriages and a new flyover.