NEWPORT'S Bridge Street bridge officially opened to the public again today, ending months of diversions, delays and roadworks. 

The bridge was opened by players of the Newport Dragons, their mascot Rodney, AM Jayne Bryant and the senior programme manager for Network Rail Karl Gilmore at 10.30am, after being closed since May 3 this year.

Around 50 children from St Woolos Primary School and Maindee Primary School also attended the event and sang before the official ribbon cutting. 

Both pedestrians and drivers can now access the bridge, which was moved and replaced as part of work to electrify the South Wales mainline.

Mr Gilmore gave his thanks to the public and shop owners for their patience during the works, and said the new bridge will provide much better access. 

He said: "None of this would be possible without the positive support and engagement from the local schools.

"But we have received lots of support and its not just from the schools. I would like to thank Newport Access Group, all the effected businesses and of course the local residents and commuters for putting up with us for so long."

Newport West AM Jayne Bryant said: "The old bridge was too low to accomodate overheard lines needed to power the greener, faster electric trains. 

"The new electric trains will mean a quieter environment for those living near the line and I'm assured it will mean more reliable transport.

"I would like to thank Network Rail for keeping us up to date on this."

The new bridge is said to be the third that has been rebuilt to connect Clytha Park Road and Bridge Street.

It is also said to weigh the same as the old one and has been built to last for 125 years.