WORK has begun on the reconstruction of the Bridge Street Road Bridge in Newport as part of plans to electrify the South Wales Mainline by the end of the year.

A temporary bridge has been put in place next to Bridge Street so that gas, electricity and water utilities will be diverted while it’s reconstructed.

A 600ft crane was used to lift the services bridge into position in the early hours of Saturday, April 2 and most of the work in the coming months will be carried out at night.

Residents have already been sent a letter informing them that the road will be closed to traffic from May 3 until late 2016.

As well as reconstructing the bridge, the electrification project includes piling in Maindee and overgrown areas will be reduced within 6.6m of the line before foundations are laid.

Work is also taking place at Newport Station to prepare it for the overhead line equipment to power the new trains.

Victoria councillor, Majid Rahman, said that it was a project that needed to be done to "better the country”.

He said: “I’ve been speaking with National Rail for a while now to make sure there’s adequate diversions in place. It’s just how we minimise the disruption.

“There will be disruption. There will be short-term pain for local traders but in the long run, hopefully it improves the area.”

John Hallam, programme manager for Maindee Unlimited, said that the community has dealt with 150 years of “soot and steam” from the railways so he welcomed the electrification.

He said: “It’s good to know that the public transport network is being improved and you cannot make an omelette without cracking eggs.

“I’m sure it will be done as quickly and sufficiently as it can be.”

Andrew Griffiths, programme manager for Network Rail Wales said: “Electrifying the railway will provide a faster, greener more reliable rail service for passengers and improved air quality for those living near the railway and we’d like to thank passengers and the public for their patience while we carry out this essential improvement work.”

Network Rail will be hosting drop-in centres across Newport in the coming weeks on the electrification project.

These will be at St Woolos Cathedral on Wednesday, April 27 at 3pm-7pm; Newport Market the following day at 10.30am-2.30pm; and Maindee Library on Wednesday, May 4 at 3pm-7pm.

From Monday April 25 until Friday April 29, Network Rail will also be opening a pop-up at 34 Bridge Street at 10am-2pm.