The Welsh Government has revealed plans to construct six new railway stations in Wales by 2030, aiming to enhance public transport infrastructure in the region. These stations will play a crucial role in the transportation network and serve as an alternative to the abandoned M4 relief road project.
Building work is scheduled to commence in 2026 on a series of new railway stations in and around Newport. The stations will facilitate millions of new train journeys annually and are part of a transformative project for Newport and its surrounding areas. The new stations will be strategically located along the south Wales main line, with three stations planned between Cardiff Central and Newport, and another three, including a unique “walkway” station for Magor and Undy in Monmouthshire, between Newport and Severn Tunnel Junction.
The order in which the stations will be constructed has yet to be finalised, but the Welsh Government anticipates completing the first station by 2027 and the last one by 2030. In addition to the new railway stations, the project includes transforming Newport’s main railway station into an “interchange” for buses and trains, as well as reconfiguring the Old Green Roundabout near Newport city centre into a signal-controlled junction by 2026.
Furthermore, plans entail developing a “sustainable transport corridor” along the A48 between Cardiff and Newport, introducing dedicated bus lanes to improve service frequency and capacity. Enhancements to the NCN88 cycle route and walking and cycling access to Severn Tunnel Junction are also part of the project, scheduled to begin in 2025 and end by 2027.
The total cost of the project is estimated at £810 million, with funding contributions from both the Welsh Government and the UK Government. The initiative aims to address congestion issues and provide efficient transport solutions for residents and commuters. The decision to pursue public transport improvements follows the abandonment of the M4 relief road project due to cost and environmental concerns.
In response to the announcement, the Welsh Conservatives have expressed concerns about the pace of progress in addressing congestion around the Brynglas Tunnels. They urge the Welsh Government to prioritise practical infrastructure projects to alleviate traffic issues in Wales and make transportation more efficient.
The decision to focus on public transport enhancements stems from recommendations by the Burns Commission, which identified public transport improvements as a viable solution to meet the region’s transportation needs. This approach aligns with the Welsh Government’s efforts to create a sustainable and effective transport system for Wales.