A TEMPORARY footbridge will be open next week as Network Rail carry out electrification work on the Somerton Road bridge.

Residents were told last month that the footbridge would not be open for three months but now Network Rail have said the temporary footbridge will open to Newport residents next week as the bridge will be closed to pedestrians from Monday.

A temporary footbridge has been placed slightly to the east of the bridge linking the areas of Collingwood Road and Hawthorne Avenue. The bridge closed to vehicles earlier this month and work is not set to be complete until spring 2016.

Somerton Road bridge dates back to 1850 and the ageing structure will be replaced with a new and improved bridge with a wider footpath and a straighter road.

Andrew Griffiths, development manager for Network Rail Wales, said electrification will mean less noise and pollution for those who live close to the railway line in and around Newport.

He said: “I thank Somerton residents for their patience and encourage them to come along to our next drop-in event if they want to find out more about the project and the long-term benefits electrification will bring to residents and passengers in South Wales.”

There is no room for ramps on the temporary bridge, so a bus with a low floor will be in operation to assist those who are less-able to cross over the railway. The bus service will follow the road diversion which takes around 20 minutes and will be in operation between 7am and 10pm.

A telephone number for this service will be displayed on a notice board on both the north and south of the bridge and, once contacted, will take around five minutes to arrive.

A member of staff will be on hand at peak times to offer help to people with pushchairs and prams.

Councillor Roger Jeavons, member for Lliswerry, said: "It's not ideal in terms of DDA access but we've been told that security would be provided 24/7. Hopefully they would be able to help carry pushchairs.

"We're happy to get the footbridge we've campaigned for as the traffic is an absolute logistical nightmare."

He said it's important the footbridge is in place for school children to use but said residents were still upset with the length of time the bridge will be out of order.

He said: "I hope it can come to a speedier solution than the Easter mark."

An information drop-in event on November 30, at the Rascal Hope Centre, Poplar Road, in Somerton, between 3.30pm – 6.30pm.

There is a diversionary route for cyclists but they can also use the temporary footbridge if they dismount.

For more information contact Network Rail’s 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email CRWales@networkrail.co.uk.