The line will be closed for nine days, from Saturday 22 October, as Network Rail engineers deliver enhancements to stations and track upgrades – making way for increased rail services for passengers in the future.
The multi-million-pound upgrades will see Network Rail’s team of engineers working day and night to extend platforms at Llanhilleth and Newbridge stations, replace and install a new railway bridge at Newbridge, and renew more than half a kilometre of track near Crosskeys station.
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council have provided the £70m funding for the scheme, via a loan from the Welsh Government. The Department for Transport and Network Rail will then provide a further £17m of funding to deliver a signaling upgrade.
The line will be fully closed for nine days from Saturday 22 October to 30 October inclusive with no train services running. During this time, Transport for Wales (TfW) will provide a replacement bus service between Ebbw Vale Town and Cardiff Central and passengers are urged to check before travelling at www.tfw.wales or on the mobile app.
There will also be a full road closure on Bridge Street as engineers work to fully replace the railway bridge at Newbridge. Bridge Street will be closed from 23:00 on Friday 21 October to 05:00 on Monday 31 October with a fully signposted diversionary route in place.
Following the October closure of the line, Network Rail teams will continue to carry out work on the Ebbw Vale line until late into summer 2023. Dates of future closures of the line will be provided to passengers closer to the date.
Once the work is completed in 2023, Transport for Wales (TfW) plans to run a new hourly train service between Ebbw Vale and Newport in addition to the current hourly service between Ebbw Vale and Cardiff. This will help provide increased access to jobs, training and leisure opportunities to communities along 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.”
Network Rail has carried out preparation work throughout the summer to reduce disruption as much as possible. The teams have also installed acoustic barriers around worksites to keep noise to a minimum for the surrounding communities.
Photo credit: Network Rail
