A £70m investment is set to contribute towards major upgrade works for the Ebbw Vale Line, where passengers will experience major improvements for their journeys as a result.
This funding has been secured through Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, supported by a loan from the Welsh Government, and will see the extension of existing platforms as well as the build of brand-new ones at Newbridge and Llanhilleth stations. These platform upgrades will be accompanied by the installation of fully accessible footbridge with lifts at Llanhilleth station.
The works will commence in October, with site compounds and working areas being cordoned off in the coming weeks in preparation. During this time period, materials, machinery, cabins, and welfare facilities will be brought to the compound areas.
Network Rail and their team will have unrestricted access to the Ebbw Vale line between 22 and 30 October, where the workers will be conducting the project throughout the day and night. This round the clock schedule will see less disruption for passengers as it will greatly reduce the work time for the project.
Nick Millington, Interim Route Director for Network Rail Wales, said:
“I’m delighted this project to increase trains on the Ebbw Vale line for the communities it serves has reached this key milestone.
“An additional hourly service to Newport will open up a wealth of opportunities for communities on this route while providing easier, low carbon, access to other large cities on the south Wales mainline.
“We know there’ll be some disruption as we safely deliver this work, so I’d like to thank the local communities and passengers in advance for bearing with us.”
Alexia Course, Transport for Wales’ Director of Transport Operations, said:
“I’m really pleased to see work progressing to upgrade the Ebbw Vale Line. The substantial investment will bring significant benefits for people living in Ebbw Vale and the surrounding communities.
“We’ll be able to run more frequent services, including direct services between Ebbw Vale and Newport when the work is complete as part of our wider programme to transform the Wales and Borders network.
“While the work is taking place, we advise passengers to check our new website, our recently-updated app or the TfW social media channels for the latest travel information.”
During the nine-day period in October, engineers will also replace the rail bridge over Bridge Street in Newbridge. To ensure the safety of staff and the public, the road will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians and a fully signposted diversionary route will be in place.
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