TRAFFIC on Cardiff Road is flowing in both directions over the railway bridge as a major phase of re-building is completed.

The work to dismantle and replace the bridge over the railway line started in December 2015 with a giant crane used to remove part of the bridge and saw one side of the road closed to traffic.

Network Rail stated at the time the work would take until 'late April', although the pavement and one lane on the other side of the road is now fenced off.

Engineers will return in June to raise bridge parapets. The road will remain open but Cardiff Road's bus lane will be closed. 

The bridge is one of many being replaced in Newport and across Gwent as work carries on to prepare the mainline for electrification.

Programme manager for Network Rail Wales, Andrew Griffiths, said: “I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we carried out the upgrade of this bridge in preparation for electrifying the railway.

“The team worked hard to ensure that we completed the work on schedule and we were able to reopen the road to two-way traffic on time.

“Electrification will provide a faster, greener, quieter, more reliable railway for passengers and improve links from South Wales to major towns and cities, including London.”