CONFUSED motorists have been using a new bridge which has not yet opened to the public.

As we reported last week, the opening date for the new Southern Distributor Road in Newport has been pushed back another three weeks.

But some drivers saw steel barriers across the entrance of the SDR bridge open, and thought all systems were go, before having to turn around when they realised they'd got it wrong.

One driver told the Argus there was a lack of clear signs to denote the bridge is still closed to all traffic.

Peter Frood, project manager for Morgan-Vinci, the contractors behind the SDR, said traffic control management around the area had been designed to make it as clear as possible that the bridge was closed.

"We will certainly be having a look to make sure it's as clear as it should be," he said.

The SDR has been under construction since June 2002.

It will link the M4 at Junction 24 to the Pont Ebbw roundabout to divert traffic away from Newport's centre and improve access to business areas.

The project has been dogged by delays, with an orginal opening date of June put back first to July, then August, before last week's announcement that the opening would be delayed a further three weeks.

Councillor Ron Jones, Newport city council member for Pill, and cabinet member for transport and sustainable development, said he believed the company had done its utmost to direct motorists away from the bridge.

"Perhaps the problem is caused by motorists following works lorries through the cones," he said.

He added: "Other than that, I can't understand why, as most people in Newport know the bridge is closed, and there are clear traffic control measures, as well as steel barriers across the entrance.

"But we really do want to see this bridge open as soon as possible, then we can relieve some of the congestion in the area."