Ebbw Valley Line Totally Explained

Everything about Ebbw Valley Line totally explained

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The Ebbw Valley Line is a railway line in South Wales and part of the Valley Lines network. The line closed to passenger traffic on 30 April 1962, remaining open for freight services only, but was restored to passenger service between 2006—2008. Passenger trains recommenced on 6 February 2008 initially to Cardiff Central, with a service to Newport at a later date.

Restoration of passenger service

The restoration project was developed as a response to the closures of steelworks in Ebbw Vale and Newport, and the resulting economic downturn. The project was jointly funded by Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly County Borough Councils, Newport City Council, the Welsh Assembly Government and Network Rail. Capita Symonds were project managing the scheme and the project contractor was Amey Rail. New stations and services are operated by Arriva Trains Wales, the existing train operating company in the region. The local authorities own and operate the station car parks.

Phase One

The first passenger train service started on 6 February 2008 at 6.30 a.m., between the Ebbw Valley line and Cardiff. However, for the foreseeable future, trains won't stop at Crosskeys. Due to delays in construction Llanhilleth station didn't open until 27 April 2008.
The works included upgrading the existing track to passenger standard, including reinstatement of 3 miles of double track, new colour light signalling, level crossing renewal and construction of six new stations.

Phase Two

Under Phase II of the scheme a second hourly service between Ebbw Vale and Newport will be introduced, and the passing loop will be replaced with seven miles of double track. There are also proposals for additional intermediate stations at Cwm and Pye Corner, together with extensions of the railway line to Ebbw Vale Town Centre and Abertillery to replace the feeder bus services. The Ebbw Vale extension forms part of the masterplan for the regeneration of the steelworks site with the station located close to the former works offices. Future phases of the project are promoted by SEWTA (The South East Wales Transport Alliance).

Works programme

A start of main works event was held in Crumlin on 28 September 2006 and was attended by Andrew Davies (Welsh Assembly Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks) the leaders of Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly County Borough Councils together with AMs Irene James and Trish Law, local councillors, officers and project stakeholders. The event marked the start of major works on the scheme with a demonstration of a new rail ballast cleaner.
Services began on Wednesday 6 February 2008 with an hourly service in each direction between Cardiff Central and Ebbw Vale Parkway.
The first train on the line was packed with officials for the official opening, Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones opened the line along with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council leader Hedley McCarthy. Islwyn AM Irene James was also present for the opening, but Blaenau Gwent AM Trish Law was absent. The first train was waved off at Ebbw Vale Parkway by local residents which welcomed the link as a positive contribution to the valley's long term regeneration.

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