South Wales rail passengers could benefit from more train services as Network Rail is to upgrade the railway bridge over the River Ebbw in Crumlin, costing £5m.

The work will take place on weekends throughout September and involves replacing the bridge deck, which currently only allows a single railway track to run over. A replacement steel structure will allow two tracks to run across the bridge.

Rail passengers, and drivers using the A467, are urged to check before travelling as buses will replace trains and the road will be subject to traffic management.

Bill Kelly, Network Rail’s Route Director for Wales and Borders, said: “Our railway continues to play a key part in our economic recovery as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. This investment in Crumlin is part of our wider plan to make improvements for the people of Wales, putting passengers at the heart of everything we do.

“We apologise in advance as our work will be disruptive for passengers and the local community, but upgrading the bridge is an important step towards increasing the frequency of trains on the line in future.”

Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, said: “We welcome the commitment from Network Rail and the Department for Transport to take forward the replacement of this bridge. It is an important step on the journey towards increasing the number of trains on the Ebbw Vale line.

“Communities in and around Ebbw Vale should have a high quality and regular rail service, supporting jobs, investment and economic development as well as increasing access to social opportunities.

“We hope this will signal further investment on the line and will continue to work constructively with the UK Government in securing ongoing commitment and support.”

While the railway bridge at Crumlin is upgraded, there will be three full closures of the railway on the following dates:

From 00.50 on 4 September to 05.40 on 7 September
From 00.50 on 12 September to 05.40 on 14 September
From 00.50 on 19 September to 05.35 on 28 September

Transport for Wales will run buses to keep passengers moving between Ebbw Vale Town and Newbridge stations.

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