This Easter the Ebbw Vale line will be closed while Network Rail and its contractors work around the clock to carry out work to enable Transport for Wales to run more trains in the future.

From 23.35 on Thursday, 14th April to 05.40 on Tuesday, 19th April, Network Rail and its contractors will work around the clock to carry out major track work, ground investigations, maintenance, and surveys between Ebbw Vale Town and Cardiff Central.

The £70m investment is funded by Blaenau Gwent Council, supported by a loan from the Welsh Government. It includes laying new track that will allow an hourly passenger service between Ebbw Vale Town and Newport.

At Llanhilleth station, engineers will be working to tamp the track alongside the platform, which involves lifting the track and compressing the ballast underneath the rails to secure the foundations.

Between Aberbeeg and Crosskeys, teams will also be working around the clock at several locations to install guard rails that help to stabilise trains whilst running on the railway.

A number of maintenance activities, ground investigations, and surveys will also be carried out elsewhere on the line,

From 15th to 18th April. buses will replace trains between Cardiff Central and Ebbw Vale Town. Passengers are advised to check before travelling at http://www.journeycheck.com/tfwrail/www.journeycheck.com/tfwrail/

Later this year, Network Rail and its contractors will begin major work to build new platforms at Llanhilleth and Newbridge stations and a new footbridge with lifts at Llanhilleth station.

The following drop-in events have been arranged to provide more information about the plans and the project team will be available to answer questions:

• Tuesday, 10th May, 3 pm – 7 pm at Newbridge Memo, NP11 4FH
• Tuesday, 17th May, 3 pm – 7 pm at Llanhilleth Miner’s Institute, NP13 2JT
• Monday, 23rd May, 3 pm – 7 pm at Crosskeys Rugby Club, NP11 7BS

Sian Bowers, senior sponsor from Network Rail, said: “We have timed with major upgrade work to take place over the bank holiday as that’s when fewer passengers travel on the railway.

“We’d like to thank local communities and passengers in advance for bearing with us and apologise for any disruption that we may cause.”

“This is a really exciting project that will transform rail travel for passengers, so I’d urge anyone wishing to find out more to come along to one of our drop-in events.”

James Price, Transport for Wales Chief Executive, said: “We are very pleased to see Network Rail’s planned improvements for passengers on the Ebbw Vale line are getting underway, as these upgrades are going to make a huge difference to the local communities this line serves.

“We would like to remind passengers buses will replace trains this Easter weekend (15-18th March) and they will be stopping at all stations between Cardiff and Ebbw Vale Town. We would like to thank everyone for their patience.”