PASSENGERS using the Ebbw Valley railway line can look forward to a more frequent service in future, as a result of a £40 million Welsh Government-funded improvement scheme.

Network Rail has begun work on a project that will see improvements to Llanhilleth and Newbridge stations, and work to double the track between Cross Keys junction and Aberbeeg junction.

A new track will be laid alongside the existing track to allow a more frequent service to be provided.

The Ebbw Vale line was instantly popular when it re-opened to passengers in February 2008, after being closed for more than 40 years. The link to Cardiff chalkeding up more than one million passenger journeys in just 20 months, two years earlier than forecast.

Emma White, development manager for Network Rail Wales, said the new frequency enhancement scheme will help hopes to build on this success by laying down extra track to improve capacity and reduce journey times.

“This will help to allow for more frequent and faster journeys, and to cater for more and more passengers in the future,” she said.

People wishing to find out more about the project are invited to Public information events to meet members of the project team and ask questions.

Anyone wanting to know more can attend one of the drop-in events, which will be take place from 3pm to 7pm, on the following dates: lTuesday March 31 – Crumlin RFC clubhouse, Kendon Hill, Crumlin; lWednesday April 1 – Llanhilleth Miners Institute; lMonday May 11 – St Catherine’s Church, Gladstone Street, Cross Keys; lAnd, Wednesday May 13 – Cwmcarn Institute and Village Hall, Newport Road, Cwmcarn.

Track laying work is expected to finish next winter, after which work will begin on new platforms for Llanhilleth and Newbridge stations. The line will then be re-signalled.

Members of the public who have questions about the programme can call Network Rail’s 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.