Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies has called for work on a bottleneck bridge near Welshpool to be hastened after it was revealed repairs could take longer than expected.

Traffic on the A458 Cefn Bridge which passes over the railway line in Trewern has been reduced to a single lane contraflow, following a two-lorry crash in December 2018 which left a vehicle dangling off the end of the structure and safety railings damaged.

Glyn Davies MP has described the delays facing motorists as "totally unacceptable", and has implored Network Rail to hasten its planned repair work, which has been scheduled to take place between June 7-9.

Mr Davies met with representatives from Network Rail to discuss the issue on Tuesday, May 21.

"It’s high time the parapets supporting the Cefn Bridge between Trewern and Buttington are repaired and that two-way traffic on the A458 be restored to normal," he said.

"This road is the most important connection between Mid Wales and the important markets of the Midlands and South East of England. For months it’s been a serious bottleneck which has damaged the economy of Montgomeryshire and wider Mid Wales. The delays over recent Bank Holidays have been totally unacceptable.

Earlier this year a question raised by Russell George AM in the Senedd led to a response from First Minister Mark Drakeford who confirmed repairs on the route had been prioritised during negotiations between Network Rail and the Welsh Government.

"It’s seems that we still hope work will be started in June and that disturbance will be limited to overnight rail line closures," added Mr Davies.

"It also seems that that some 'delivery issues' may mean the works cannot be completed and that there will be further 'overnight line closures' later. Again, disruption will be minimised. I have emphasised the importance of completing this work and restoring two-way traffic as soon as possible."

Network Rail say repair efforts are complicated by the involvement of several agencies in the work, and that they are "continuing to work closely with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency and Powys County Council" on the issue.

Last month a spokesperson for the Welsh Government said that replacement parapet has been ordered from the specialist supplier, with an order has been placed for its installation with Network Rail.

When contacted by the County Times for an update this week, a Welsh Government spokesperson said they were still working towards the original date for repairs: "We are still working, with specialist suppliers and contractors, towards carrying out the work necessary on the weekend of June 7th – 9th to repair the damage to the bridge, after which we will be able to lift the restrictions and reopen the route."