WORK has begun this week on repairing a partly-demolished pedestrian bridge at Coppins Bridge roundabout in Newport.

The bridge has been an eyesore since its northern section had to be removed for safety reasons after a supporting wall on the river bank was found to have been undermined, leading to a partial collapse of the stone work.

Before demolition began, extensive work had to also be undertaken by Transco to protect a crossriver gas main that was under threat from falling stone work.

The company then had to provide an alternative temporary pipe link on top of the bridge before workers could complete a new permanent pipe across the river.

Councillor Ernie Fox, the council's executive spokesman for transport, said: "I am pleased to see these works being started at last and hope that they can be delivered quickly and efficiently."

Council project coordinator Dave Marsh said: "The removed section of the bridge will not be rebuilt but works will be undertaken to make good the remaining stone arch and to build new reinforced concrete abutments, partly faced by exisiting stonework. There will also be extensive new drainage works, new stone parapets utilising existing stone, railings, paving and landscaping works."

The works are estimated to cost around £110,000 and are expected to be completed by December 20.

On-site working hours are between 7am and 8pm from Monday to Saturday which will ensure a full tidal cycle is available to contractors each day.

If required to maintain the nineweek programme, the contractor may work on Sundays.

Mr Marsh added: "It will be necessary occasionally to reduce traffic lanes, particularly on the Barton Road side during the first few weeks of the project."