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Network Rail is thanking passengers in South Wales and lineside neighbours in Cardiff and Newport today as upgrade work on the railway over the festive period is now complete.
Works have been taking place between Newport (S. Wales) and Cardiff Central in final preparation for electric trains to be operating to and from London Paddington operated by Great Western Railway.
Final testing is taking place along the line to ensure that the overhead lines are working correctly.
Point work has taken place east of Newport station ahead of electrification and Christmas works. Surface edges on platforms 2, 3 and 4 have been adjusted for the overhead equipment.
Electric trains will be able to work from Cardiff Central to London Paddington fully from Monday 6th January allowing faster services between the 2 capitals.
Check before you travel on the National Rail website.
What did the officials say?
Bill Kelly, route director for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said:
“Christmas is the quietest time on the railway which is why our major engineering work takes place at this time of year.
“We would like to thank passengers and our lineside neighbours for bearing with us over the festive period.
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And even Network Rail should be grateful for the Christmas works on the Southend Victoria line with replacing ageing 1950s overhead wires at Wickford in Essex.