NETWORK Rail has pledged to complete work in Newport as "quickly and efficiently as possible" after the city council's leader urged the company to minimise disruption.

Closures are due to be in place in Somerton Road later this year and in Bridge Street next year while essential bridge reconstruction takes place ready for electrification of the South Wales Mainline.

Yesterday the Argus reported that councillor Bob Bright asked Network Rail to install temporary road bridges to ensure continued access to busy parts of Newport but was told it is not possible to fund the measures.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said the company understands that installing temporary structures to maintain traffic flow would be ideal, but at a number of locations this is not be feasible due to difficulties with road alignment and lack of available land space.

She added: "Electrification will transform the railway making journeys faster, more reliable, greener and quieter for tens of thousands of passengers.

"Modernising this key stretch of railway will help support economic growth across many of our cities and towns by improving the connection between South Wales and London.

"Over the next few years a significant construction programme will be required, including modification work to a number of bridges to ensure that we have sufficient clearance levels for the overhead line equipment."

The spokeswoman added where possible, the company tries to avoid fully reconstructing bridges as this is usually the most costly option and causes disruption to the road network.

"At a number of locations however, the only feasible option is to reconstruct the bridge, particularly if it is nearing its end of life or is in poor condition", she added.

"We are carefully planning the project to stagger the work programme and eliminate the chances of neighbouring bridges being closed at the same time.

"We are working closely with Newport City Council to obtain invaluable input to the project and will ensure effective and appropriate diversions are put in place, which will be publicised widely. We will keep local communities and road users informed of progress as we work to deliver this vital project and are committed to completing the works as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

For more information call 03457 11 41 41 or email crwales@networkrail.co.uk