The railway between Newport and Cardiff reopened on Monday, 23 March, after a week of intensive track renewals aimed at improving reliability on the South Wales Main Line.

Over 150 engineers and specialist teams from Network Rail, together with contractors Colas Rail UK and AECOM, worked around the clock between 16 and 23 March to deliver the upgrades.

The programme included replacing moveable rails at junctions, laying 1,120 tonnes of new track stone to reinforce the line, and renewing 400 metres of track to boost long-term performance. One of Europe’s largest rail cranes, the Kirow, was used to lift and install key track components.

The line was closed on 21 and 22 March for the most intensive work, with replacement buses keeping passengers moving. Services resumed from the first train on Monday, offering travellers a safer, more reliable journey.

The upgrades form part of ongoing investment to support both passenger and freight services and to prepare the route for future growth.

 “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.” 

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales.

“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.”

Nick Millington, Route Director for Network Rail Wales and Borders.