Train services between Cardiff and the heads of the valleys will be subject to disruption this spring as work continues to construct the Core Valley Lines for the South Wales Metro.

The work is being part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and will enable faster, more frequent services between Cardiff and the heads of the valleys.

Pontypridd and Radyr

• Starting this week, the rail-replacement bus service that runs on evenings from evening Sunday to Thursday between Pontypridd and Radyr will be extended to Cardiff Central. That is to allow engineers to carry out piling and foundation works in readiness for the installation of overhead line equipment. Services between Pontypridd and Radyr will also be affected from 1st to 3rd April and 15th to 18th April.

City Line services in Cardiff

• From Monday, 4th April between Monday and Thursday only, evening City Line services in Cardiff will replaced by buses.

Aberdare and Abercynon

• From Sunday, 17th April to Friday, 13th May, the line between Aberdare and Abercynon will be closed to allow engineering work to take place. Rail-replacement bus services will be in operation between Aberdare and Pontypridd to connect with alternative train services.

The closure will allow engineers to carry out complex work including installation of foundations for overhead line equipment, demolition and reconstruction of a footbridge between Penrhiwceiber and Cwm Cynon Business Park, platform works, signalling maintenance and testing, line speed improvements, and cutting back vegetation.

Karl Gilmore, Rail Infrastructure Director at TfW said:

“These essential works will mean we’re another step forward in delivering the South Wales Metro for the people of Wales.

“The key infrastructure works will allow us to prepare it for the introduction of brand-new electric tram-trains in the coming years, which will allow us to run faster, more frequent services.

“I’d like to thank our lineside neighbours and passengers in advance for their understanding and continued support whilst we carry out these works.”

More information about Metro is available on the Transport for Wales website, including a blog article answering some frequently asked questions about the Metro transformation work.