Rail passengers in South Wales could benefit from more train services in the future, with Network Rail upgrading the River Ebbw railway bridge in Crumlin with the work starting this weekend.

The work will take place throughout September at weekends and involved replacing the bridge deck with a new concrete structure that will allow two tracks to run on it.

Passengers and road users that use the A467 are being urged to check before travelling, with buses replacing trains and the A467 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.”

The main work to replace the bridge will take place 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.

On the following dates, traffic management will be in place so that Network Rail can position a crane at the River Ebbw railway bridge:

• From 10 August to 18 September: single lane closure on the A467
• From 18 September to 28 September: daytime traffic lights with single lane closure and full night-time closure on the A467
• From 28 September to 18 October: single lane closure on the A467

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