A £4.25M UPGRADE of Haverfordwest’s Merlins Bridge railway bridges is taking place early next year.

The project will replace the Pembroke Road railway bridge and the Milford Road railway bridge.

The Milford Road bridge - which is regularly hit by lorries leading to major disruption - will be raised as part of the work. 

It will be raised 300mm. 

Network Rail engineers will demolish the existing decks at both railway bridges - which carry the South Wales Mainline - and install new, to improve the resilience and reliability of the railway - all part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan.

The 80-year-old bridge decks require replacement as are nearing the end of their lifespan.

To ensure the core work is carried out as efficiently and as safely as possible, the A4076 at Milford Road railway bridge and part of Pembroke Road will require short temporary closures early in 2019.

To minimise disruption to the local community, the closures will take place at separate times.

Pembroke Road at the railway bridge will be closed from 8pm on Friday January 18 until 6am on Monday January 21.

The A4076 at Milford Road railway bridge will be closed from 7pm on Friday February 15 until 6am on Monday February 18.

Rhys Howells, scheme project manager for Network Rail in Wales and Borders, said: “We are working closely with Pembrokeshire County Council and other partners to develop the diversionary routes to ensure we minimise disruption to the local communities, motorists and rail passengers.

“Before we begin work, we will engage communities, road users and businesses as well as widely publicise the temporary road closures, traffic management system that will be in operation and construction programme.

“We will also arrange drop-in events for local residents and business owners, giving everyone the opportunity to discuss the expected work with project managers and Network Rail staff.

“We understand closing these roads for any length of time is inconvenient and we would like to thank the community for their patience and support in advance.”

For more information, call Network Rail’s 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email at CRWales@networkrail.co.uk