The electrification of South Wales Metro is making positive headway following the installation of more than 6,500 metres of overhead wires by Transport for Wales and saw around-the-clock work over the Christmas period. The very first overhead electrification wires for the project were installed back in November, and the installation achieved over the Christmas period demonstrates the momentum of the project.

When complete, South Wales Metro will bring substantial improvements in connectivity for the region.

Further to the installation of the overhead electrification wires, engineering teams also carried out:

• The erection of 250 metal masts
• The installation of a new footbridge for Cwmcynon
• Built two under-track crossings for Cardiff Queen Street
• The testing of a new signalling system

The home of the brand-new electric tram-trains over the next few years is Taff Well’s depot which also saw a great deal of work completed including the installation of 195 sheet piles at Aberdare which will allow a new platform and track loop.

Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change with responsibility for Transport said: “A lot of the work on the South Wales Metro has been largely hidden from view until now, this year and next will see that change.

“The impressive work over Christmas is just the start of a series of steps that will become more and more visible as we work towards our aim of building a new Metro system by the end of 2024. This circa £1 Billion project is the largest and most complex engineering project taking place in Wales and will make a real difference to communities”

Karl Gilmore, Rail Infrastructure Director at TfW said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank all our teams and partners for the work they delivered over the Christmas period, they sacrificed their holidays so we could progress with delivering the South Wales Metro.

“I’d also like to thank all our lineside neighbours for their patience and understanding whilst we complete these upgrade works.

“We have reached another key milestone in our delivery of this project and we’re excited to continue moving forward into 2023.

“The South Wales Metro will transform the way people travel and provide a more sustainable option to taking the car, supporting the fight against climate change.”

The vast project has seen partial funding via the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government.