A major A-road bridge will undergo a "specialist inspection" after part of it fell off, the Welsh Government has confirmed.
The A48 Briton Ferry Bridge was closed in both directions for several hours on the morning of Wednesday, May 3, after early reports from the scene suggested there were "structural issues" on the bridge itself. Police later confirmed they had been called to the bridge to help with the road closure while highway officers investigated the issue - but were unable to comment on what had happened to the bridge which led to its closure.
But more details have now been shared by the Welsh Government. A statement explained: "The A48 Briton Ferry Dock Viaduct was closed due to a drainage pipe detaching from the underside of the bridge deck and falling onto wasteland under the bridge. The presence or absence of the drainage pipe does not contribute to the structural capacity of the viaduct." You can get the latest Neath Port Talbot news stories straight to your inbox with our free newsletter. Sign up here
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The statement continued: "While the drainage pipe posed no risk to vehicles travelling across the structure, South Wales Police (SWP) chose to close the bridge due to concerns vibration from traffic would cause further debris to fall.
"Representatives from the South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA) quickly attended the site and cordoned off the affected area under the viaduct. It was agreed with South Wales Police it was safe to re-open the bridge to traffic. The bridge re-opened just before 1pm.
"South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA) will undertake a special inspection of the structure, to check the integrity of the drainage system and other aspects of the structure, to ensure a reoccurrence of the incident is avoided."
A spokesperson from South Wales Police added: "We were called at 11.13am, Wednesday, May 3, following a report that drainage material had fallen from the bridge. Officers assisted in implementing a road closure from both sides of the A48 Briton Ferry Bridge to allow Highways officers to investigate the matter. After an inspection the bridge re-opened around 1pm."
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