Between Saturday, 22nd and Sunday 30th October there will be no train services on the Ebbw Vale line in South Wales whilst Network Rail engineers carry out improvement works.
The work is being funded by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, supported by a loan from the Welsh Government. The £70m investment includes extensive works at Newbridge and Llanhilleth stations.
At Newbridge, new platforms will be built and the existing platforms extended. The railway bridge over Bridge Street in Newbridge will also be replaced; to ensure the safety of staff and the public, the road will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians with a fully signposted diversionary route in place.
At Llanhilleth, a fully accessible footbridge with lifts will be installed.
During the line's closure, a rail-replacement bus service will operate.
Over the coming weeks, site compounds and working areas will be cordoned off at both stations ahead of the start of the work.
From Monday, 15th August, engineers will start work at Newbridge to remove vegetation in the station's park and ride car park. They will also fence off most of the spaces in the park and ride car park, and all spaces in the former Co-op car park. Twenty spaces will remain available for use in the park and ride car park.
At Llanhilleth, working areas and compounds are being established in areas west of the station car park, next to the Network Rail yard, and in an area next to the railway opposite St Illtyd's Primary School/the Miner's Institute.
Nick Millington, Interim Route Director for Network Rail Wales, said: “I'm delighted this project to increase trains on the Ebbw Vale line for the communities it serves has reached this key milestone.
“An additional hourly service to Newport will open up a wealth of opportunities for communities on this route while providing easier, low carbon, access to other large cities on the south Wales mainline.
“We know there'll be some disruption as we safely deliver this work so I'd like to thank the local communities and passengers in advance for bearing with us.”
Alexia Course, Transport for Wales' Director of Transport Operations, said: “I'm really pleased to see work progressing to upgrade the Ebbw Vale Line. The substantial investment will bring significant benefits for people living in Ebbw Vale and the surrounding communities.
“We'll be able to run more frequent services, including direct services between Ebbw Vale and Newport when the work is complete as part of our wider programme to transform the Wales and Borders network.
“While the work is taking place we advise passengers to check our new website, our recently-updated app or the TfW social media channels for the latest travel information.”
Councillor Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Prosperity, Regeneration and Climate Change said: “We welcome this major investment and improvements which will help support our Lower Ebbw and Sirhowy Valleys Masterplan – which sets out the future development and regeneration opportunities to promote communities, strengthen the economy, improve sustainable transport, and improve the quality of life for residents.
“Network Rail is holding a drop-in event at Newbridge Memo on Thursday August 11, between 3.30 pm and 6.30 pm. I encourage residents and local businesses to come along and find out more about the project and the impact on Newbridge and ask any questions you may have.”
Councillor John Morgan, Executive Member Place and Regeneration at Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council said: “This is positive news that sees plans progress with our partners in Welsh Government, Network Rail, and Transport for Wales to enhance the Ebbw Valley rail link – which remains a high priority for the Council.
“Blaenau Gwent welcomes the investment to dual the line in the Ebbw Valley to increase the frequency of services to Newport and the work to upgrade Llanhilleth railway station. This will improve opportunities for inward investment and access to employment both within and outside of the local area that is seen as a primary driver within the context of the wider Cardiff Capital Region City Deal offer and the development of the Metro.”
