The Ebbw Vale line has reopened between Cardiff Central and Ebbw Vale Town after a 19-day closure during which Network Rail engineers, together with contractors from Amco Giffen, Siemens and others worked on the construction of two new platforms at Newbridge and Llanhilleth stations (one at each station), the installation of new signal posts, regrading and stabilising of an embankment, and track work in various locations along the line.
In addition, part of a new access ramp and waiting shelter was constructed at Newbridge station while the lift mechanism and motor rooms were installed at Llanhilleth station.
The £70 million project to upgrade the Ebbw Vale line has been funded by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council via a loan from the Welsh Government. The Department for Transport and Network Rail are providing a further £17 million to deliver signalling upgrade and renewal work.
To facilitate the work, the line was closed from Wednesday 24 May until Monday 12 June. Five more Sunday day closures are planned throughout June and July.
Nick Millington, Network Rail route director for Wales and the Borders, said: “I would like to personally thank passengers and local communities for their ongoing patience throughout this work.
“Once complete, passengers will benefit from a direct link to Newport which will provide better access to employment opportunities, leisure and training, as well as open up rail travel to Bristol, the midlands and London.”
Jan Chaudhry-Van der Velde, chief operations officer at Transport for Wales said: “The multi-million-pound investment into the Ebbw Vale line will allow us to run more frequent and more reliable services in the near future, bringing significant benefits to our customers.
“We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience while this vital work took place.”
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