Busy Welsh Railway Line Faces Six-Week Closures
Transport for Wales (TfW) has recently announced that the Rhymney Valley railway line in Wales is set to undergo significant enhancements as part of the South Wales Metro project. The work is scheduled to commence at the end of March and is expected to bring disruptions to passengers, particularly those travelling between Rhymney and Caerphilly. The extensive project involves an “intensive eight-month programme of engineering activities” aimed at electrifying over 15km of railway track. As a result, there will be times when the line will be closed, including two separate six-week closures from April 12 to May 23 and July 19 to August 31.
TfW is advising all passengers using the Rhymney line to stay informed and check for updates before travelling during this period of construction. To ensure minimal disruption, rail replacement services will be available to keep passengers moving. Apart from the extended six-week closures, the line will also be closed on weekdays from 7 pm to 6 am from Mondays to Thursdays. Additionally, there are anticipated weekend closures throughout the year and another two-week closure starting from October 18. A detailed schedule of planned rail closures on the Rhymney line for each month can be found on TfW’s website.
The introduction of new trains on the Rhymney Valley line in 2023 set the stage for these upgrades, which will enable the operation of brand-new electric trains on the line by 2026. By the end of 2026, TfW aims to have all journeys on the Rhymney line serviced by the class 756 electric trains. Dan Tipper, chief infrastructure officer at TfW, expressed excitement about the transformation programme, emphasizing the project’s goal to upgrade the Rhymney line as part of the South Wales Metro project. The enhancements include the installation of overhead line equipment for electrification and upgrades to local railway stations.
Acknowledging the inconvenience that rail closures and engineering works may cause, TfW appreciates the understanding and patience of customers and residents living near the railway during this period. They urge all passengers to stay informed and plan their journeys accordingly. For those interested in receiving the latest updates from Wales Online, a new WhatsApp community for breaking news and top stories has been launched. Members can access significant court stories, traffic updates, weather alerts, and other news, ensuring they stay up to date with events in Wales.
In conclusion, while the Rhymney Valley railway line is set to face several closures over the coming months due to essential engineering works for the South Wales Metro project, these upgrades are expected to significantly enhance public transport in South Wales. By electrifying the line and introducing new trains, TfW aims to create a more efficient and modern rail network for passengers. Despite the disruptions, the long-term benefits of these improvements are sure to provide a smoother and more sustainable travel experience for those using the Rhymney line in the future.