Train operator Transport for Wales has released a video thanking passengers and neighbours after the railway north of Radyr in South Wales reopened after a three-week blockade.

Transport for Wales took advantage of the current lockdown to close the Aberdare, Treherbert and Merthyr lines.

Teams worked around the clock on essential track maintenance and track replacement.

The South Wales Metro project has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

Other work included track drainage, 2600 metres of cable containment system, nearly 7,000m2 of tree pruning and 300 trees eco plugged.

Ken Skates, Minister for Economy and Transport and North Wales said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to rail passengers and neighbours who have shown patience and understanding during this important work on the South Wales Metro. The South Wales Metro will transform lives and improve connectivity throughout South East Wales. It’s great that TfW have been able to take this opportunity of low passenger demand and push ahead with essential engineering and transformational work.

“Next month, the rail service will move into public ownership and one of our key reasons for this new model was to ensure work on the South Wales Metro continues and to provide confidence for those working on the project.”

Karl Gilmore, Rail Programme Director, Transport for Wales said: “We closed the railway north of Radyr for three weeks and our teams and partners have been working day and night to ensure we maximise this opportunity and continue with the next phase of the South Wales Metro.

“Our teams have progressed with re-railing and installing new track which in total is nearly four and a half miles. Following detailed ecological investigations, we’ve also cleared nearly 60,000 square metres of low-level vegetation that will allow us to move forward with our electrification plans for the South Wales Metro.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our teams and partners for their efforts over the past three weeks and also our passengers and lineside neighbours for their patience and understanding.”

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