01 Nov 2024
A significant amount of engineering work was delivered over a nine-day rail closure as Transport for Wales (TfW) continue to move forward in delivering the next phases of the South Wales Metro.
The recent closure of the Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and Treherbert lines between Pontypridd and Radyr (from September 27 to October 6) allowed TfW to progress with station, infrastructure and maintenance work.
Some of the key works included platform preparation for level boarding at Pontypridd and Taff’s Well stations, removal of a footbridge at Treforest to allow a new access for all bridge and essential drainage work ahead of the winter season.
Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at Transport for Wales said:
“We are pleased to have made further progress on delivering the next phase of the South Wales Metro.
“During our nine-day closure we delivered a large amount of essential engineering works and we’re now looking forward to introduce brand-new trains to the South Wales network before the end of the year.
“We’d like to thank customers and lineside neighbours for their patience and understanding.”
Notes to editors
Full Works included:
- Station and infrastructure improvements:
- Level boarding adjustments were made to platforms 2 and 3 at Pontypridd station, alongside track and signalling improvements.
- Dismantlement and removal of the original footbridge at Treforest station, donated to the Gwilli Heritage Railway. Opening of the stairs on the new Access for All bridge with the lifts due to open in November.
- Installation of over 300 meters of the new ramped footbridge at Fernhill station, alongside 64 meters of level boarding works on the station platform.
- 135 meters of level boarding works at Taff’s Well station, alongside 700 square meters of platform resurfacing. Continued work to the new Access For All station footbridge, due to open in late 2024.
- 66 alterations and repairs to Overhead Line Equipment across the network in preparation for the introduction of new electric trains from November.
- Essential maintenance work:
- Soil nailing works to strengthen a retaining wall in Troedyrhiw on the Merthyr line.
- Installation of the South staircase on the Gelli footbridge on the Treherbert line, which was successfully reopened on Friday 18 October.
- Essential drainage and culvert maintenance across the network to prevent flooding.
