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Tuesday 13 Jan 2026

Passengers urged to check before travelling as vital track and viaduct refurbishment works take place in Swansea area

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Buses will replace trains between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea for 12 days from the end of January as Network Rail carries out essential upgrades to the railway. 

From Monday 26 January to Friday 6 February, and again all day on Sunday 8 February, engineers will be working around the clock to renew the railway near Landore Viaduct, close to Swansea Football Stadium. To allow the work to be carried out safely, the railway will be closed between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea during these periods. 

The work includes the renewal of rails, sleepers, switches and crossings, and points, as well as the refurbishment of Landore Viaduct, which supports the railway as it crosses the River Tawe. These upgrades are vital to keeping the railway safe, reliable and resilient for passengers and freight services.  

During the closures, Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway services into West Wales will be affected, with buses replacing trains between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea, for the duration of the works. 

Key alterations 

• Rail replacement buses will run between Port Talbot - Swansea - Llanelli for the duration of the works. Arrangements will vary depending on the date of travel, particularly for customers using Gowerton.
• Great Western Railway services to and from London will start and terminate at Port Talbot, with amended timetables in place.
• Heart of Wales Line services will operate to and from Carmarthen, with additional changes on 27 January.
• Services between Llanelli - Carmarthen - Milford Haven / Pembroke Dock / Fishguard Harbour will run to amended timetables.
• Swansea Station will remain open, with access to ticketing facilities, toilets and refreshments.

Additional weekend changes 

• Saturday 31 January - Sunday 1 February: Rail replacement buses will operate between Cardiff Central – Bridgend - Swansea. Maesteg - Cardiff services will call at all local stations between Cardiff and Bridgend.
• Sunday 8 February: Rail replacement buses will operate between Cardiff – Bridgend - Port Talbot.

Passengers are urged to check their journey details before travelling, as journey times may be longer and connections may differ from normal.  

Up to date information will be available via the TfW website, the TfW app, journey planners, station notices or at nationalrail.co.uk. 

Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders said, “We’re carrying out vital track renewal work and refurbishing Landore Viaduct near Swansea to improve the reliability of the railway for passenger and freight services.  

“To complete this work safely, we need to close the railway between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea from Monday 26 January to Friday 6 February, and again all day on Sunday 8 February, with buses replacing trains during this time. This work has been planned well in advance, and we’ve been working closely with train operators to ensure alternative travel arrangements are in place for passengers. 

“We’re sorry for the disruption this will cause and would like to thank passengers for their patience while we complete these essential improvements.” 

Colin Lea, Transport for Wales Planning and Performance Director said, “These essential works by Network Rail are an important investment in making the railway more reliable for years to come.  

“We know that any disruption can be frustrating, and we’re really grateful to our customers for bearing with us while this vital work is carried out.”