| Work Detail |
Transport for Wales (TfW) has announced a major upgrade to the Rhymney Valley railway line, marking the next phase of the South Wales Metro transformation. Starting in March 2025, an intensive eight-month engineering programme will electrify over 15km of track, paving the way for new Class 756 trains to operate on the line. These upgrades will deliver faster, greener, and more accessible rail services to communities across South Wales. The Rhymney Valley line has already seen improvements with the introduction of Class 231 trains in 2023, part of TfW’s GBP 800 million investment in new trains across Wales. This next phase of infrastructure enhancements will support electrified train services, reducing travel times and improving sustainability. “We are excited to embark on our transformation programme to upgrade the Rhymney line as part of the South Wales Metro project. These improvements will significantly enhance public transport in South Wales, and we appreciate the patience of our customers and local communities as we carry out this essential work,” Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at TfW, said. Rhymney Valley railway line key infrastructure upgrades To modernise the Rhymney Valley line, TfW’s upgrade programme will include: Electrification – Installing Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) to power new electric trains. Track and signalling upgrades – Improving infrastructure for safer and more efficient operations. Station improvements – Enhancing Rhymney station, including new sidings for train storage. Environmental enhancements – Upgrading railway fencing and clearing overgrown vegetation to improve safety and accessibility. Planned rail closures & engineering works To deliver these upgrades safely and efficiently, sections of the railway will be temporarily closed at various times between March and October 2025. TfW will operate rail replacement bus services to minimise disruption. Key Closure Periods: Mid-week evening works – Monday to Thursday from 7pm onwards. Weekend closures – Several Saturday and Sunday closures throughout the year. Extended 6-week closures – 12 April – 23 May and 19 July – 31 August. 2-week closure – From 18 October. TfW will ensure bus services match train schedules, maintaining connectivity between Caerphilly, Bargoed, and Rhymney. During major events, such as concerts at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, train services will continue to operate as normal. |
