We have now completed multi-million-pound transformation of the Ebbw Vale line with the introduction of new services between Newport and Ebbw Vale.
This significant milestone was celebrated on 1 February 2024 at Llanhilleth Miners Institute with representatives from Network Rail, Transport for Wales, the Welsh Government, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and the local community.
The £70m brand-new track and station enhancements have been funded by the Welsh Government via a loan to Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, with the Department for Transport and Network Rail providing a further £22m to deliver signalling upgrades and the replacement of Crumlin River bridge.
What work have you completed?
Work started in early 2022 and the core works were finished in December 2023. A huge programme of work is being carried out along the entire length of the line including:
- Managing vegetation alongside the railway
- Setting up site compounds and access points near to the railway which will be used throughout the project
- Laying approximately 2 miles of new track between Aberbeeg and Crosskeys to create a 7-mile passing loop which will be brought into use during 2023
- building new platforms at Llanhilleth and Newbridge stations and extending the existing platforms so that they can potentially accommodate longer trains in the future
- improving facilities for passengers at Llanhilleth and Newbridge stations
- making Llanhilleth station fully accessible for the first time with the installation of a brand-new footbridge and lifts
- upgrading the signalling in the Gaer and Rogerstone areas of Newport
- closing Park Junction Signal Box and moving control of the signalling to the Wales Route Operating Centre in Cardiff
- replacing the rail bridge over Bridge Street in Newbridge
Have we got more work on the line?
Whilst most of the work has now been completed, follow-up work will continue up and down the Ebbw Vale line for the foreseeable future. This includes track work specifically tamping along the line (picking up the track with a machine and compressing the foundations) which can be noisy.
Further updates will be shared on specific worksites, when possible, to inform you about work close to your property.
We thank passengers for their patience and understanding throughout this work and will benefit from the upgrades to the line.
Working with our partners
We have worked closely with Transport for Wales, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, Caerphilly County Borough Council and Newport City Council to ensure passengers, our lineside neighbours, the local community and local stakeholders are all aware of our plans.
Level Crossings
We have also carried out some minor improvements at footpath level crossings on the line to keep the public safe. As always, we must remind any users of the level crossings to follow the safety instructions on the signage before using the crossing. More information can be found in about level crossings on our website.
Background to the reopening of the Ebbw Vale line
The Ebbw Vale line reopened in 2008 after being closed for 40 years and was instantly popular with passengers. In 2014, a brand-new station at Pye Corner opened serving passengers at the southern end of the line and in 2015, approximately 1.5miles of new track was laid to extend the railway from Ebbw Vale Parkway to a brand-new station at Ebbw Vale Town.
The Welsh Government committed funding to enhance the line to enable an additional train service to run between Ebbw Vale Town and Newport. This will open up jobs, training and leisure opportunities to people in the communities along the line.
Get in touch
For any comments or questions regarding the project, please contact our 24-hr national helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email us at crwales@networkrail.co.uk.