Transport for Wales (TfW) is making significant progress towards the next phase of the South Wales Metro project, with plans to electrify the Coryton and lower Rhymney lines in the coming weeks.
This ambitious project aims to deliver a total of 170km of electrified track, of which 116km is already completed and operational. The upcoming electrification of the Coryton and lower Rhymney lines, stretching from Caerphilly to Cardiff Queen Street, will increase the total to 155km.
The electrification of these lines is a crucial step that will allow TfW to introduce new tri-mode trains on the Coryton and Caerphilly to Penarth routes starting in Spring 2025. As TfW continues to expand the electrification of the railway in South Wales, they are emphasizing the importance of public safety through their No Second Chances safety campaign. Trespassing on the railway is illegal, and the risks are significantly higher when the railway is electrified, potentially leading to serious injury or death.
To facilitate the testing of the Overhead Line Equipment that will power the new electric trains, there will be no rail services on the Coryton, Rhymney, and Cardiff Bay lines from Friday, January 31 to Sunday, February 2. Additionally, to ensure public safety, several footbridges, level crossings, and road bridges that cross the Coryton and lower Rhymney railway lines will be closed on Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2. More details about these closures can be found on TfW’s website.
The transformation of the Core Valley Lines for the Metro has been partially funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. This project will enable faster and more frequent services between Cardiff and the heads of the valleys, significantly improving the region's transportation infrastructure.
Image credit: Transport for Wales