19 Mar 2025
Transport for Wales is excited to announce that the Rhymney valley railway line will undergo major enhancements as part of the next phase of the South Wales Metro.
Starting at the end of March 2025, TfW will deliver an intensive 8-month programme of engineering work that will transform and electrify over 15km of railway line.
Brand-new trains (Class 231s) were introduced to the Rhymney valley line in 2023 as part of TfW’s £800 million investment into brand-new trains across Wales.
These further infrastructure improvements will enable electrified trains (Class 756s) to be introduced to the line, delivering faster, greener and more accessible transport to the communities of South Wales.
To deliver this intensive 8-month programme of work safely, there will be periods where the railway line will be closed and rail replacement services in operation to keep passengers moving. This includes two 6-week closures from 12 April to 23 May and 19 July to 31 August.
TfW encourages all passengers travelling on the Rhymney line to check before they travel.
Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at TfW said: "We are excited to embark on our transformation programme to upgrade the Rhymney line as part of the South Wales Metro project, aimed at transforming public transport in South Wales.
"We'll be carrying out major infrastructure improvements on the line, including the installation of Overhead Line Equipment to electrify the line and upgrades to local railway stations.
"We appreciate the patience of our customers and neighbours living near the railway as we carry out these upgrades. We understand that rail closures and engineering work may cause disruption for those who rely on our services and for those living close to the tracks and would like to urge all customers to check before traveling during this period.”
For further information please visit on upcoming rail closures, please visit: Train disruption | Rail works | Transport for Wales
Notes to editors
Rhymney valley infrastructure works will include:
- Electrification: Installing Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) to electrify the line.
- Enhanced Infrastructure: Upgrading railway fencing and cutting back overgrown vegetation.
- Tracks and Signalling upgrades: Comprehensive upgrades across the line, including track lowers to enable electrification.
- Station Improvements: Upgrades at Rhymney station, including enhanced station sidings where the new trains will be stored.
Planned Rail Closures & Engineering Works
To facilitate these extensive upgrades to over 15km of railway from Caerphilly to Rhymney, several railway closures are planned between March and October 2025.
Closing the line from Rhymney to Caerphilly will allow teams to work 24/7, delivering transformative work more efficiently throughout the 8-month programme.
Importantly, this schedule allows some of the noisiest work, including piling, to take place during the day in certain locations.
Closures on the Rhymney line will take place sporadically between March and October 2025, including:
- Mid-week evening engineering Works: from 7pm on Mondays to Thursdays.
- Weekend Closures: Several Saturday and Sunday closures throughout the year.
- Extended Closures: Two 6-week closures from 12 April to 23 May and 19 July to 31 August.
- 2-Week Closure: One 2-week closure from 18 October.
A full list of planned rail closures on the Rhymney line by month is available on TfW’s website.
Due to the number of planned rail closures, TfW recommend that all passengers travelling along the Rhymney line check before they travel using TfW’s journey checker tool.
Keeping passengers moving
During these rail closures, TfW will provide bus services to match train schedules, ensuring seamless connections between bus and rail at Caerphilly station.
Buses will run every 15 minutes between Caerphilly and Bargod, and every 30 minutes between Bargod and Rhymney. More information on rail replacement bus stops can be found on TfW's website.
Rail services will run as normal for major events and concerts at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
