Tuesday 12 Oct 2010
IMPROVED RAIL LOOPS BOOST HEART OF WALES LINE
- Region & Route:
- | Wales & Western: Wales & Borders
- | Wales & Western
The 142 years old Heart of Wales rail line today celebrates a new beginning, as a major improvement scheme brings it up to date with the 21st century.
Network Rail has completed a £5m project to modernise five passing loops on the Heart of Wales rail link, restoring the line to its maximum capacity.
Passengers can now expect an even more reliable rail service as the infrastructure is upgraded to last for another 30 years or more. In addition, the improved infrastructure is now capable of providing an even more robust diversionary route for freight and passenger trains between Swansea and Bridgend.
The reinstated passing loops have also helped boosted the capacity on the line to enable more trains to run, catering for any future growth in demand.
Mark Langman, area general manager for Wales, Network Rail said: "Wales relies on rail. The Heart of Wales line is one of the most scenic routes in Wales and it draws thousands every year - linking nearly 30 rural towns and is a popular rail journey among tourists. As the railway continues to grow, we will need to create flexibility on the railway and more importantly, room to cater to future demand. This scheme underscores our commitment and the importance to invest in the future of our railway.”
Councillor Mansel Williams, chairman, Heart of Wales Line Forum said: "The Heart of Wales Line is a vital public transport 'spine' for Central Wales. We want to see more use made of it, and this very welcome project has restored the capacity of the route'."
Ben Davies, stakeholder liaison manager for Arriva Trains Wales commented: “Arriva Trains Wales welcomes the completion of this major modernisation project on the Heart of Wales line. It will allow us to continue to provide our customers with the high levels of service, reliability and punctuality they deserve”.
Work on the passing loops were carried out at Knighton, Llandrindod, Llanwrtyd, Llandovery and Llandeilo on the Heart of Wales. Similar work is also being carried out at Ystrad Rhonda and Tenby. As a result, around 500 train crews and guards in the area have also benefitted from training to improve their skills in working with the new infrastructure.
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