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Written by Mark Henderson - 09 Oct 2004
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Location notes
This is a small road bridge over the main Cardiff to Newport main line. The entire area between these two cities is generally flat drained marshland. It is nearer to Newport than Cardiff, but as they are only 15 miles apart, it is not that far from either.
Railway type and traffic
The Cardiff to Newport line is split into two double lines - the southernmost pair are predominantly freight, the northernmost are passenger. (As far as I can make out, anyway!). Passenger workings include First Great Western HSTs and Adelantes (cl 180s), Wessex 158s and the occasional top and tail 31 I believe, Arriva Trains Wales Pacers, 150s, 156s, 158s, and the odd Central Trains 170s. (The CT 158s are Arriva Branded). There are also plenty of excursions for events at the Millennium Stadium.
Freight includes steel trains for Cardiff Maritime (steelworks), containers for Wentlooge Freightliner Terminal as well as stuff for Margam and other places further out west. Locos include classes 60, 66 (DB Schenker and FL), 67.
Environment
Green Lane is a tiny country lane, which seems to go nowhere (The map does not appear to be strictly correct), and whose road surface is covered is moss, so it can't be used too much!
The area round the lane is lightly wooded farmland with light industrial estates also nearby. It seems to be quite safe, although the turning circle at the end of Green Lane is full of dumped sofas and things, so this area could be dubious after dark, if there is anyone about. From the condition of the road, and where it leads to (nowhere), I feel this could be unlikely.
Road directions
From the M4 Junction 28:
Take the A48 into Duffryn. At the large roundabout take the thrid exit which is the B4239. Green Lane is a turn-off from this road, first left after the small village of Fair Orchard. If you are coming from Newport, the 'Green Lane' roadname-sign is visible, just past some trees, and there are houses scattered along the road. From Cardiff, go through the village of St Brides, round a long curve with a wide farm track joining on the apex (you will see some of the farm, too). The road is the next left. From both directions, the turning is quite wide, so should be easy enough to spot. Be careful on the B4239 though - there are some tight corners! Once on the lane, keep following it, until your cross the bridge (the road climbs up to it).

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Newport - Green Lane bridge, Maerdy map co-ordinates
Parking
As you cross the bridge, you will notice that it is much wider than the lane. This is where I normally park. The best place to turn your car is not the end of the lane (which is a dead end) as the turning circle is full of rubbish, but a field entrance on the other side of the bridge: As you drive over the railway, and down the other side, just as the road levels out, there is a wide field entrance to your left. Best turn here. (You could possible park here, too). I usually park, tucking in tight on the east side of the bridge.
Public transport
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Amenities
The area is farmland and light industrial estates. During the week, you may find the odd burger van for the workers, but otherwise Newport and Cardiff are your best bets.
Accommodation
There will be plenty of accommodation in Cardiff, and probably Newport too.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Newport - Green Lane bridge, Maerdy

Googly map
Streetmap links
Newport - Green Lane bridge, Maerdy general view map
Newport - Green Lane bridge, Maerdy close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Newport - Green Lane bridge, Maerdy



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Railway Gen Group
Rail Gen South Wales
Photographic notes
At this point the line goes from SSW to NNE, roughly. Therefore, watch out for the evening sun when looking towards Cardiff (west). Looking east, the daytime sun could hamper most pictures, as you can only get a decent angle from the north side of the bridge (due to overhanging trees on the south side). There are no such obstructions on the west side - both north and south ends are clear, and it is down to your preference of angle, and what line the train is on.
For the videographers, it is a fairly quiet spot, with some light industrial sounds quietly in the background.


General views - All photographs © Mark Henderson unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 1 - Looking west


Fig 2 - Looking east


Fig 2 - Looking east


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