Train lines are expected to be disrupted over the next few weeks as work continues to aid the development of the South Wales Metro. Transport for Wales (TfW) said it's continuing to move forward with the building of the huge project with major works being undertaken across the Core Valley Lines in the spring.
The transformation of the Core Valley Lines for the Metro, which has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government will enable faster, more frequent services between Cardiff and the heads of the valleys. This week has already seen some changes to services, as from Monday, March 28 train users have seen the current evening Sunday to Thursday rail replacement bus services between Pontypridd and Radyr extended to and from Cardiff Central.
This is because engineers are carrying out piling and foundation works in preparation for the installation of overhead line equipment. Evening city line services in Cardiff are also set to be replaced by buses from Monday, April 4 between Monday and Thursday only.
Work will also affect services between Pontypridd and Radyr over the weekends of April 1 to April 3 and April 15 to April 18. Meanwhile, from Sunday, April 17 to Friday, May 13 the railway between Aberdare and Abercynon will be closed to allow engineering work to take place.
Read more: Unbearable noise and sleepless nights: Life next to the major South Wales Metro works
Replacement bus services will be in operation between Aberdare and Pontypridd to connect to and from train services. The 26-day closure will allow engineers to carry out complex work, including the installation of foundations for overhead line equipment, demolition and reconstruction of the footbridge between Penrhiwceiber and Cwm Cynon Business Park, platform works, signalling maintenance and testing, line speed improvements and cutting back vegetation. You can keep up to date by with news from across Rhondda Cynon Taf by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Karl Gilmore, rail infrastructure director at TfW said: “These essential works will mean we’re another step forward in delivering the South Wales Metro for the people of Wales. The key infrastructure works will allow us to prepare it for the introduction of brand-new electric tram-trains in the coming years, which will allow us to run faster, more frequent services. I’d like to thank our lineside neighbours and passengers in advance for their understanding and continued support whilst we carry out these works.”
The investment in the South Wales Metro will significantly improve connectivity providing access to jobs, leisure and other opportunities for the people of Wales, through unifying rail, bus and active travel routes. More information about the Metro is available on the Transport for Wales website, including a blog article answering some frequently asked questions about the Metro transformation work.
What other changes do I need to know about?
Engineering work is taking place between Tenby and Pembroke Dock, closing all lines between April 2 and April 8. From 11pm on Saturday, buses will replace trains between Tenby and Pembroke Dock.
Between April 9 and April 10 engineering work is taking place between Llandudno Junction and Holyhead, closing some lines. Buses will replace trains between Llandudno Junction and Holyhead.
Buses will replace late night and early morning trains between Cardiff Central and Bridgend from Monday, April 11 to Friday, April 15.
Buses will replace trains between Cardiff Central and Ebbw Vale town from Friday, April 15 to Monday, April 18 due to engineer works.
There will be amended late night and early morning services to and from Carmarthen from Monday, April 18 to Friday, April 22. Between Monday and Thursday the 11.15pm Cardiff Central to Carmarthen service will terminate at Swansea with a replacement bus serving Gowerton, Llanelli, Pembrey & Burry Port, Kidwelly, Ferryside and Carmarthen. Between Tuesday and Friday the 5am Carmarthen to Cardiff Central service will start from Swansea. If you are travelling from Carmarthen, Ferryside, Kidwelly, Pembrey & Burry Port or Llanelli, you will need to travel on an earlier replacement bus to connect into train.
Between April 18 and April 21 engineering work is taking place between Barry and Bridgend each night from 11.15pm, closing some lines. The 10.25pm Radyr to Bridgend service will start from Cardiff Central at 11.43pm, and will terminate at Barry. A rail replacement bus will run from Barry to Bridgend, calling at all stations.
Due to works being conducted there will be no trains operating between Rhyl and Holyhead on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24.
There will be an amended service between Newport and Cardiff Central until 6.50pm on Sunday, April 24. Travel updates can also be found on the TfW website.
