UK: Preparatory work on the £70m modernisation and partial double-tracking of the Ebbw Vale line in south Wales has begun. The work will allow hourly passenger services between Ebbw Vale Town and Newport, complementing the existing service to and from Cardiff. New platforms will be built at Llanhilleth and Newbridge, and both stations will be made fully accessible.
The doubling and station work is being financed by Blaenau Gwent Council, backed by a loan from the Welsh government.
Network Rail is also spending £17m on signalling enhancements which will see the southern end of the route controlled from the Wales Route Operating Centre in Cardiff. This is being financed by the Department for Transport.
Work has already begun on clearing overgrowth along the 21 km section to be doubled ahead of the main construction task beginning in April; it is expected to last for around 18 months.
