Phase two of the Port Talbot West resignalling project starts this month, with commissioning in November, bringing a safer, more reliable railway - with some planned rail and road closures needed to complete the work safely.
Work on phase two of the Port Talbot West resignalling project will resume later this month and continue through late October, with the commissioning of new signalling equipment planned for November. This initiative is designed to improve the safety, reliability, and convenience of railway services for passengers and local communities.
Over the past two and a half years, there have been 59 signalling failures between Carmathen and Llanelli. The upgraded signalling and level crossing systems, included in this programme, are intended to address these issues. Through infrastructure improvements, safety updates, and more streamlined operations, Network Rail aims to reduce the frequency and duration of delays for both passengers and freight operators.
“This is a transformative moment for rail operations in South West Wales,”
said Scott Beech, Project Manager. “By centralising control and upgrading our signalling infrastructure, we’re not only improving reliability but also laying the groundwork for a safer and more responsive railway system that better serves our communities.
"We thank passengers in advance for their patience while this vital work is carried out."
Upcoming works: Carmarthen to Pembrey
This year’s focus includes key upgrades between Carmarthen and Pembrey, with upgrade work being completed at several level crossings in the area. Information regarding planned closures and traffic management is as follows:
- Ferryside: Full road closure from 11:30pm on Friday 24 October to 6am on Monday 3 November. Requested access will be available during this time.
- Bertwyn (near Park Dean Holiday Park): Traffic management in place from 11pm on Friday 24 October to 6am on Monday 27 October and again from 11.30pm on Thursday 30 October to 6am on Monday 3 November.
- Sarnau: Full road closure from 11:30pm on Thursday 30 October to 6am on Monday 3 November, with no vehicle or pedestrian access.
- Pennybedd: Full road closure from 11:30pm on Thursday 30 October to 8am on Monday 10 November, with no vehicle or pedestrian access.
- Pembrey: Full road closure from 11:30pm on Thursday 30 October to 8am on Monday 1 December, with no vehicle or pedestrian access.
- Kidwelly: Full road closure from 11:30pm on Thursday 30 October to 8am on Monday 24 November, with requested access available.
Modernising safety systems
As part of these changes, existing signal boxes at Pembrey, Kidwelly, Carmarthen, and Ferryside will be decommissioned, and operations will move to a central hub in Port Talbot. This approach, which has been implemented in other locations in the UK, is designed to provide quicker and more efficient management of rail traffic and address community requirements.
Safety at level crossings will be addressed by installing obstacle detectors, a system that monitors crossings and issues alerts in response to potential hazards.
Ferryside track renewal
Network Rail will also be completing a track renewal at Ferryside, with associated level crossing closures on the following weekends:
- Saturday 27 September to Monday 29 September (Access granted over crossing)
- Saturday 4 October to Monday 6 October (Full closure to vehicles and pedestrians)
- Saturday 11 October to Monday 13 October (Full closure to vehicles and pedestrians).
During these closures, the crossing surface will be upgraded to improve safety and durability.
Image credit: Network Rail
