More than £1 million is to be spent on repairs to the Neath River bridge, a vital link into Neath town centre.
Built in the 1970s the bridge carries the A474 over the River Neath and Neath Canal linking the A465 dual carriageway with Stockhams Corner but after 42 years of use it is in need of major work.
The work involves repairs to the concrete piers, the replacement of the bridge bearings and painting of the bridge beams.
The unique challenge for the specialist contractor on this project means the bridge decking will be jacked up for the replacement of each of the 16 bearings but drivers will barely notice anything is going on underneath them.
The specialist jacking operations will require some road closures, but these will be scheduled after midnight with local diversions in place for vehicles.
Work is due to start on July 18 and is scheduled to finish before Christmas.
The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council Cllr Ali Thomas OBE said: “This is a very important project for Neath.
“It is a major scheme and vital for people accessing the town centre. The bridge has been carrying many thousands of people in and out of the town centre over the years and the Council feels it is important that the traffic is not disrupted while work is being carried out.”
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