Bridge work set to start next year (From Western Telegraph)

Bridge work set to start next year

Work should start early next year on the reprofiling of the surface of the Cleddau Bridge to create a three-lane highway, separate three-metre cycleway and improved pedestrian footway.

Strengthening work is due to start this month and last some 40 weeks, and the county highways committee agreed on Thursday to continue to use expert consultants Flint and Neill for the project by local contractor Jenkins and Davies, of Pembroke Dock.

Design work on the resurfacing of the bridge will ensure the works are compatible with the internal restrengthening.

Director of transportation, Mr Huw Roberts, told the committee that it was intended to move forward with the reprofiling of the bridge surface and the proposed modifications, after the strengthening had been completed. New toll booths will be installed and control provision for the entry of traffic from the Neyland side, particularly high-sided vehicles in windy conditions, would also be necessary to improve safety, probably by variable messaging signs.

Councillor Clive Collins asked if there would be an opportunity to improve The Grand National effect of the humping on the bridge which he said also caused hammering by heavy vehicles as they crossed. The director said this would not be eliminated but would be reduced. Councillor David Wildman asked if funding could be provided for passing bays on the Rosemarket road to accommodate diverted high-sided vehicles, but Councillor Collins said they would not be able to pass under the railway bridge in any case. The director said radio warnings were the most effective means of diverting high-sided vehicles well before they reached the area.

q Proposed provision of a segregated three-metre-wide cycle track across the Cleddau Bridge has been welcomed by cyclists. Cycle Tourist Club representative for South Pembrokeshire and SUSTRANS Ranger for the Amroth-St Florence section of the Celtic Way, Mr Paul Rich, of Pembrokeshire Freewheelers, said: The proposals for the Cleddau Bridge are great. A three-metre-wide cycle track, segregated from the traffic by railings, and linking at Westfield Pill with Brunel Way up to Johnston, will be very welcome.

The bridge improvements will have two effects as far as cyclists and walkers are concerned - a safe conduit across the bridge and an indication that the council really is very serious in its intention to demonstrate its commitment to cyclists and pedestrians as legitimate road users.