From Saturday the 22nd of October the Ebbw Vale line will close for a period of nine days in order to carry out major upgrades and station enhancements
Network Rail's team of engineers will begin the multi-million-pound upgrade work in order to make way for increased rail services. The project will see engineers work around the clock in order to extend platforms at both Llanhilleth and Newbridge stations. The upgrade work will also see the replacement and installation of a new rail bridge for Newbridge as well as over half a kilometre of track close to Crosskeys station.
The line will see a full closure for nine days from Saturday the 22nd to Sunday the 30th of October inclusive which means that no rail services can operate. Transport for Wales has organised rail replacement bus services between Ebbw Vale Town and Cardiff Central with passengers urged to check their travel plans ahead of making their journey by visiting: www.tfw.wales or via the mobile app.
The project will also see a full road closure for Bridge Street as engineers work to replace the rail bridge at Newbridge. The Bridge Street road closure will take place from 23.00 on Friday the 21st of October and will end at 05.00 on Monday the 31st of October. A diversion route will be put in place and will be fully signposted.
Further to the closure of the line this October, the Network Rail team will work on the Ebbw Vale line until the latter half of summer 2023 with further closures of the line set to be communicated to passengers closer to the date.
Preparation work for the project was undertaken during the summer and will see a reduction in disruption where possible. The Network Rail team have also put in place acoustic barriers around the work sites in order to reduce noise for the local communities.
Once the project is completed, Transport for Wales will run new hourly train services between Ebbw Vale and Newport alongside the existing hourly service between Ebbw Vale and Cardiff. The new services aim to increase access to employment, training and leisure for communities on the line.
Nick Millington, interim route director at Network Rail Wales & Borders, said: “It's fantastic to see the transformation of the Ebbw Vale line really take shape. This multi-million-pound investment will transform services on the line and really benefit the communities it serves.”
“I would like to thank the local communities, in advance, for their patience while we safely carry out this work.”
Jan Chaudhry-Van der Velde, Transport for Wales' Chief Operations Officer, said: “We welcome this investment to upgrade the Ebbw Vale Line. The work to increase capacity on the line will allow us to run direct services between Ebbw Vale and Newport from 2023, as part of delivering the Welsh Government's vision for the South Wales Metro.”
Councillor Helen Cunningham, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Place at Blaenau Gwent Council, said: “I am pleased with the progress of the work to improve and upgrade Llanhilleth station as part of the major investment to transform the Ebbw Vale line between Newport and Ebbw Vale. I appreciate that Network Rail are doing everything to minimise disruption for passengers whilst carrying out the work and I am sure that passengers will see the benefit of an improved service and more reliable journeys in the future.”
Councillor Julian Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transportation at Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners on these exciting improvements that will enhance Newbridge station and it make it fully accessible to all passengers for the first time. These improvements will help to support our Lower Ebbw and Sirhowy Valleys Masterplan which sets out the future development and regeneration opportunities to promote communities, strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life for residents.”
Councillor Laura Lacey, cabinet member for assets and infrastructure at Newport City Council, said: “It is great to see the progress being made by Network Rail to enhance the Ebbw Vale line. Whether it is increased access to jobs and social opportunities, or reducing carbon emissions through increased use of the line, better transport links will benefit both Newport and communities up and down the Gwent valleys.”
Nice to see new track being laid and a new platform to be built as at Llanhilleth.