Work is due to start at Cathays railway station in Cardiff on Saturday, 13th June, on the installation of a new ‘Access for All’ (AFA) footbridge.

The new footbridge is designed to provide better accessibility, with new lifts for step-free access for wheelchair users, and improved walkways. It will also help improve the station, to make it a safer transport hub and will provide direct access to Cardiff University’s Centre for Student Life.

The improvements at Cathays are part of the introduction of the South Wales Metro, with all of the Core Valley lines now electrified. Through the Metro network, Transport for Wales (TfW) is establishing a more reliable, faster, greener, and more accessible transport system.

Phase 1 of the work will start on 13th June, but the main construction in Phase 2 will not start until this autumn. The early work in Phase 1 will concentrate on enabling works, and during this time, walking routes to the station will remain largely unchanged. Train services and other operations at the station will remain unchanged, and passengers will be protected from working areas by a safety cordon.

The main part of the work, Phase 2, will start in the autumn, at which time passengers will notice an increase in activity. This is the stage when the new footbridge, lift, and associated structures are installed, and will require the use of larger machinery and extra deliveries. Also, temporary changes will be made to pedestrian routes to the station.

A new depot at Taff’s Well for South Wales Metro trains was officially opened last November by King Charles III.

“This investment is an important step in our ongoing work to improve accessibility and modernise stations across Wales. The new footbridge will make Cathays station safer, easier to navigate and more welcoming for everyone who uses it. We’re working closely with Cardiff University and other local businesses to ensure the project supports the needs of the student and surrounding communities, and are looking forward to seeing it develop.”

Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer, Transport for Wales

“As we move into this first phase, our teams will begin setting up the site, implementing pedestrian diversions, and carrying out initial excavation and cable works. “These are important enabling works for the wider project, and our focus is on delivering them efficiently while ensuring the station continues to operate as normal.”

Alex Phillips, Senior Project Manager