Media centre

Tuesday 15 Sep 2015

Alun Davies AM sees how track improvements in Blaenau Gwent will improve journeys for passengers

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Alun Davies AM joined staff from Network Rail at Llanhilleth station to see new railway track being laid, which will enable a more frequent service for passengers on the Ebbw Vale line.   

The project builds on the success of the Ebbw Vale line, which was instantly popular when it re-opened to passengers in February 2008, after being closed for more than 40 years, and the extension of the railway line into the new Ebbw Vale Town station.

Alun Davies AM said: “I was delighted to see for myself the work Network Rail is doing to improve the Ebbw Vale line by laying down an extra seven miles of track.

“The railway has been very successful in our region and this work will build on that success by improving journeys for local people.

“I was interested to hear about the next phase of work in this project and see where the new platform will be built at Llanhilleth station.

Charles Varey, lead programme development manager for Network Rail Wales, said: “The rail link from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff is incredibly popular and the work we are doing now will help to give passengers an even better service in the future.

“By laying extra track, we can help to increase the frequency of services on the line, helping to improve connectivity for the increasing numbers of passengers using the railway.

“I’d like to thank local residents for their patience while we carry out this work and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Once work to double the track between Crosskeys Junction and Aberbeeg Junction is completed, Network Rail will begin to construct new platforms at Llanhilleth and Newbridge stations. The line will then be re-signalled to allow for a more frequent service in the future.

The Ebbw Vale frequency enhancement scheme is funded by Welsh Government.   

In a separate project, also funded by Welsh Government, Network Rail installed 1.5 miles of railway track and opened a brand new station in Ebbw Vale in June this year.

Members of the public who have questions about the programme should call Network Rail’s 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email CRWales@networkrail.co.uk.