Network Rail is upgrading the River Ebbw railway bridge in Crumlin, South Wales, in a £5 million project that involves replacing the current bridge deck, which is only capable of carrying a single railway track, with a new steel and concrete structure that will allow two-tracks to run across it.
The work is being funded by the Department for Transport in support of the Welsh Government’s plans to run more trains on the Ebbw Vale line in the future.
As part of the wider Ebbw Vale Frequency Enhancement Scheme, five miles of additional track has been laid between Cross Keys and Aberbeeg. The bridge replacement at Crumlin is another important step towards enabling more services to run in future.
Bill Kelly, Network Rail’s route director for Wales and Borders, said: “Our railway continues to play a key part in our economic recovery as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. This investment in Crumlin is part of our wider plan to make improvements for the people of Wales, putting passengers at the heart of everything we do.
“We apologise in advance as our work will be disruptive for passengers and the local community, but upgrading the bridge is an important step towards increasing the frequency of trains on the line in future.”
Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, said: “We welcome the commitment from Network Rail and the Department for Transport to take forward the replacement of this bridge. It is an important step on the journey towards increasing the number of trains on the Ebbw Vale line.
“Communities in and around Ebbw Vale should have a high quality and regular rail service, supporting jobs, investment and economic development as well as increasing access to social opportunities.
“We hope this will signal further investment on the line and will continue to work constructively with the UK Government in securing ongoing commitment and support.”
