09.07.20
South Wales Metro railway works imminent
Transformational works on railway lines through South Wales set to begin on the 3rd of August.
As part of Transport for Wales’ (TfW) three-quarters-of-a-billion-pound investment in Metro, which included £164 million of European Regional Development Funding through the Welsh Government.
The South Wales Metro is expected to cause an influx of jobs, business and educational opportunities, alongside other openings, for the people and businesses of South Wales.
Earlier this year TfW finalized the transfer of rail assets, known locally as the Core Valleys Lines, from Network Rail into its ownership.
This advanced and transformative step undertaken by TfW, brought together train operator and railway asset maintainer, creating a joined-up ‘one-team’ approach for the Metro.
TfW is now starting to build the South Wales Metro which will see major infrastructure works including the electrification of over 170km 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.”
Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, added: “It’s great to see work commencing on the ground to deliver this ambitious scheme. Making it easier for people to travel in the future will ensure communities are better connected while increasing access to social and economic opportunities.
“The transformation of the Core Valley Lines provides a real opportunity to assist in the economic recovery from Covid-19 through the utilisation of local supply chains to build back better. Our investment in Metro systems in the north and the south of Wales is evidence of our commitment to creating a modern transport network that will meet Wales’ future needs.”
Images: Transport for Wales