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Monday 25 Jun 2018

Completion of £7.5m scheme creates a safer railway for mid Wales

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Network Rail celebrated the completion of a multi-million-pound project to improve rail safety in Talerddig on Friday 22 June, following significant investment by both UK and Welsh Governments.

Network Rail Wales and Borders - funded by the UK Government - invested £4.5m in the project in partnership with Welsh Government who dedicated the remaining £3m. The enhancements were delivered by Powys County Council and include the construction of two kilometres of new highway and two new road-over-rail bridges spanning the Cambrian Line at Ystrad Fawr and Rallt. The new bridges have enabled the closure of eight railway crossings, making it safer for people to cross the railway.

Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP said: “Railway stations are at the heart of the towns, villages and cities they serve. Improving the safety of these facilities for communities and passengers alike is of crucial importance and I’m delighted that the UK Government has been able to support this important scheme for Mid Wales. Delivering this major infrastructure project in rural Wales is an important step in making it much safer and easier for local residents and visitors to cross the railway.”

Transport Secretary, Ken Skates, said: “Our £3m investment has enabled the delivery of this project, which will go a long way to improving safety on the Cambrian line. We are pleased to have worked with Network Rail and Powys County Council on this important scheme that has boosted the local economy through the use of Wales-based companies, and will genuinely improve rail facilities for locals and visitors alike.”

Bill Kelly, acting route managing director for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “We are delighted that the improvements at Talerddig have been completed on schedule, following investment from both the UK and Welsh Governments. Working closely with our partners at Powys County Council, we have delivered a scheme that has provided safer and better routes across the railway for local people.

“I am pleased to see a ‘made in Wales’ approach used in this project, with almost 80 per cent of the suppliers and contractors involved based in Wales, delivering an improved railway for Talerddig.”

Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George said: “It’s fantastic to see the completed road scheme and bridges. Network Rail and Powys County Council have worked collaboratively to deliver this infrastructure project with the support of both the Welsh and UK Government.

“This new road scheme has made a huge difference to a number of residents who had to cross the railway to get to and from their properties. It is a significant safety improvement and will also allow farmers to further invest in their businesses.”

Montgomeryshire MP, Glyn Davies said: “The Cambrian Line is a vital transport link between Mid Wales and the UK’s rail network, hugely important for our economy, especially tourism. The UK Government, the Welsh Government and Powys Council have worked together to make the Cambrian Line safer for those who need to cross it, and invest in the long-term viability of this transport connection. It’s a day to celebrate investment in the successful future of Mid Wales”

Cllr Phyl Davies, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “I’m delighted that this road and rail improvement project has been completed, which now makes it safer for people to cross the railway.

“This important infrastructure project that we have successfully delivered will make a huge difference in the local community.”