Work on the new bridge will start in January 2005

Tourism Swansea says major roadworks on Fabian Way should not be taking place during the peak holiday season.

Work on the East Sidings Bridge will start this weekend, and is scheduled to continue over the next three weekends.

But tourism chiefs fear the project could put people off visiting the city for years to come.

Anthony O'Sullivan, head of transportation and engineering for Swansea Council, said the bridge was past its sell-by date and had to be demolished.

"This is an 80-year-old structure and we are taking it down and replacing it with a modern structure," he said.

"The new bridge will link our park and ride scheme with the city centre via an express link, and will also cater for a national cycle route and pedestrians."

Mr O'Sullivan did admit there was "never a good time to do roadworks".

There are fears the roadworks could cause congestion

"We have had to schedule them to fit in with other works, most notably the waterfront development and the Morfa Stadium."

But Geoff Haden, who chairs Tourism Swansea, criticised the council's "timing and communication".

"We are at the start of the peak holiday season and we have people having detours of up to 10 miles," he said.

"I think it could have a long-term effect, with people saying they are not coming back next year."

Mr Haden also claims he was not told about the roadworks until he read about them in a local newspaper.

Works will be carried out between 1200 midnight on Friday night and 0600 on Monday morning.

A series of diversions will be set up, as Fabian Way will be closed to eastbound through traffic from its junction with Port Tenant Road and restricted to 7.5T vehicles and below in a westerly direction.

Work on the new suspension bridge will begin in January 2005.