Major works on Newport’s Medina Way Bridge have been postponed by an estimated 12 months for the second time after additional strengthening works were identified.
Island Roads has confirmed that the substantial maintenance project, which was due to get underway this week, has been shelved after additional bridge strengthening works were identified during the detailed design phase.
It marks the second significant delay to the project.
The works were originally due to begin in September 2025, before Island Roads announced in August last year that the scheme was being pushed back by 12 months to September 2026 because of what were described as complex technical challenges encountered during the design process.
Just last month, Island Roads confirmed that the 6-month project would finally begin on 28th September, with lengthy lane restrictions expected on the dual carriageway as reported by Island Echo.
However, that timetable has now been abandoned.
Island Roads says that earlier this summer, during the detailed design phase, it became apparent that additional strengthening work would be required on the bridge.
The highways contractor had been attempting to incorporate the extra works without extending the overall project beyond Easter 2027, but says this has not proved possible.
Island Roads has said:
“Earlier in the summer during the detailed design phase, it became apparent that additional bridge strengthening works were required.
“Since then, we have been working to accommodate these new requirements into the scheme in a way that did not extend the duration of work into Easter.
“Unfortunately, despite our efforts, it has not been possible to schedule the required additional work within this timescale.
“As a result, and mindful of the need to minimise disruption to road users, businesses and residents, we have decided to postpone the whole maintenance scheme.”
The next likely opportunity for the major works is now said to be autumn 2027, with Island Roads aiming to complete the project before the Easter holidays in 2028.
Some advance works could take place before September 2027 in an effort to reduce the duration of the most disruptive phases.
The scheme involves replacing all 16 existing bridge bearings and installing 2 additional bearings on Medina Way Bridge – the Island’s largest highway bridge structure. Around 28,500 traffic movements use the route each day.
Plans announced in August would have seen Medina Way reduced to a single lane in one direction for around 5 weeks at a time, firstly southbound and later northbound, alongside a series of phased overnight closures.
The latest postponement means the main project is now expected to begin around 2 years later than originally planned.
Island Roads says it will engage with stakeholders well in advance of the revised works commencing.
