Transport for Wales will begin railway line transformational works on 3 August 2020
It’s hoped the South Wales Metro will make it easier, quicker and more convenient for people to travel in South Wales.
The rail operator says the project will also open up a range of job, business, education and other opportunities for the people and businesses of South Wales.
As part of its three-quarters-of-a-billion-pound investment in Metro, which includes £164 million of European Regional Development Funding through the Welsh Government, TfW will begin transformational works on railway lines throughout South Wales, starting on 3 August 2020.
Earlier this year TfW completed the transfer of rail assets, known locally as the Core Valleys Lines, from Network Rail into its ownership.
The works include the electrification of over 170 km of track mostly with overhead lines, station and signalling upgrades and the construction of at least five new stations.
James Price, Transport for Wales’ CEO said:
“Transport for Wales is absolutely committed to delivering the South Wales Metro and we’ve now moved forward with further transformational works.
“At the start of the year, we opened our Metro Infrastructure Hub at Treforest, as well as starting construction work on our Metro Control Centre at Taff’s Well. We’ve been undertaking surveying and design work across the valley railway lines and are now progressing onto the next phase and transforming the railway lines, starting on 3 August 2020.
“We understand the impact of Covid-19 but will be following all relevant safety advice from the Welsh Government as we push forward with our investment programme.”
Vikki Howells MS has told Cynon Valley News,
“The announcement that works will commence on August 3rd to transform railway lines throughout South Wales, including Core Valleys Lines like Aberdare to Cardiff, is very welcome news indeed.
“The planned works, centring on the electrification of over 170 km of track, are transformational in their ambition and will lead to commuters seeing a real change to passenger rail services.
“These will be faster, greener, more reliable and more frequent, with four trains an hour between Aberdare and Cardiff by 2023 for example. Capacity will be increased and different forms of transport will be better integrated under the Metro model.
“Delivering these improvements may lead to some disruption in the short-term, but we must not lose sight of the long-term vision of a public transport system fit for purpose and offering enhanced opportunities to local people.
“The start of these works takes us a step closer to this destination.”
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