TRAFFIC on Cardiff Road is now flowing in both directions after Network Rail finished their upgrade on the bridge.

A single lane traffic system had been in place since December 2015, while the bridge was replaced with a new structure.

The work was to electrify the South Wales Mainline, in preparation for the arrival of a new fleet of electric trains.

Network Rail previously said the work would be completed by ‘late April’, but some pavement and one lane remained fenced off yesterday

Engineers are set to return in June to raise the bridge parapets, but the road will remain open to motorists. The bus lane will temporarily close.

Andrew Griffiths, programme manager for Network Rail Wales 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.

“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.”

Cardiff Road Bridge is one of many being replaced across Gwent as part of the plan for mainline electrification.

Another, Bridge Street, will be closed from Tuesday, while works start. They could take up to seven months to complete.

Business owners who trade on the road have said it will be very difficult for them.

Caitlin Durham, who has run dog groomers Short Bark and Sides for just over a year, said: “We are in a bit of a situation.

“I get quite a lot of passing trade who pop in to make an appointment so that will be affected, it will be a nightmare.”

The owner of Gemelli’s, who operate a branch on Clytha Park Road, also said it would cause considerable problems

“It’s so close to the building. It’s going to be quite a difficult few months," added Pasquale Cinotti. "There will be drilling, big trucks coming by.”

Network Rail have already released details of three different diversions for drivers ahead of the closure, while pedestrians have been designated a nearby footpath.

They said they will do their best to minimise disruption.

A spokesperson added: “Network Rail will be working to minimise disruption to communities as much as possible. However, the nature of some of our work means that some disruption is unavoidable.

“We have developed a plan for delivery which minimises the impact of local businesses, particularly the businesses immediately adjacent to the bridge.

“We use a range of measures to ensure we keep unnecessary noise to a minimum, including positioning generators away from properties and using quieter equipment and shielding - where possible - to minimise the impact on our neighbours.”