ONE lane of city centre road will be closed for two months to allow Network Rail to carry out improvement work to the River Usk viaduct.

The section of southbound carriageway of the B4591 will be closed from Monday, October 9 to Sunday, December 10 to ensure safe access to the bridge.

The improvement work to the viaduct, which carries the South Wales Mainline across the River Usk in Newport, includes grit blasting, painting and structural repairs.

The upgrade work started in May and is scheduled to be finished during spring 2018.

Bill Kelly, the chief operating officer for Network Rail in Wales, said: “The railway is vital to economic growth. Our essential renewal work to the River Usk viaduct will ensure it remains safe and reliable long into the future.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience while we carry out this work as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan and reassure them that we are doing all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.”

A large amount of the work must be carried out while trains are not running, with the majority of improvements being made during the night and at weekends.

For details, telephone the 24 hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email CRWales@networkrail.co.uk