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Monday 23 Mar 2026

Railway reopens after major upgrade to improve reliability for passengers in South Wales

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

The railway between Newport and Cardiff reopened on Monday 23 March following a week of vital track renewals to support more dependable journeys on the South Wales Main Line.

More than 150 engineers and specialist teams from Network Rail, alongside contractors Colas Rail UK and AECOM, worked around the clock between 16 and 23 March to deliver a major programme of track upgrades on one of South Wales’ busiest railway routes.

The improvements will help reduce the risk of track-related faults, meaning passengers can benefit from more reliable journeys and fewer delays.

To carry out the most intensive work, the line was closed on 21 and 22 March, with replacement bus services running to keep passengers moving. Rail services resumed from the first service on Monday 23 March.

What the work involved

• Replacing points (moveable rails at junctions which allow trains to switch safely between tracks)
• Laying 1,120 tonnes of new track stone (ballast) to strengthen and support the railway
• Renewing 400 metres of track, helping improve performance and reliability for years to come
• Utilising one of Europe’s largest rail cranes - the Kirow - to lift and install the track components

This vital work forms part of continued investment to maintain a safe, reliable railway for both passenger and freight services using the route, while also laying the foundations for future service growth on the South Wales Main Line.

Nick Millington, Route Director for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said, “This has been a huge week of work on one of the busiest stretches of railway in South Wales. Our teams have worked around the clock to deliver vital upgrades that will help keep trains running safely and reliably for passengers and freight, for many years to come.

"I’d like to thank the teams involved for delivering this work safely and to schedule, and our passengers and local communities for their patience while we carried out this essential work.”

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales said, “We’re pleased to see the railway between Newport and Cardiff reopen following this major programme of improvements. These upgrades will help deliver a more reliable service for our customers, and we’d like to thank passengers for their understanding during the disruption.”