Vital structural and track renewals work will affect train services in South Wales for two weeks starting later this month.
Network Rail will be upgrading the railway in the Swansea area to maintain this key route for the region.
Services will be amended from Monday 26 January to Thursday 5 February, plus on Sunday 8 February.
Engineering work has been planned to avoid disruption to trains when England play Wales at Twickenham in the Men’s Six Nations rugby on Saturday 7 February.
Monday 26 to Friday 30 January
- Replacement road transport is planned between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea or Llanelli
- Trains will still operate between London Paddington and Port Talbot Parkway, plus between Llanelli and Carmarthen
- Transport for Wales will operate limited train services between Cardiff Central and Carmarthen using an alternative route – not stopping at Neath or Swansea
Weekend of 31 January and 1 February
- Replacement road transport is planned between Cardiff Central or Bridgend and Swansea
- Trains will still operate between London Paddington and Cardiff Central, plus between Swansea and Carmarthen
- Transport for Wales will operate train services between Cardiff Central and Bridgend
Monday 2 to Thursday 5 February
- Replacement road transport is planned between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea
- Trains will still operate between London Paddington and Port Talbot Parkway, plus between Swansea and Carmarthen
- Transport for Wales will operate limited train services between Cardiff Central and Carmarthen using an alternative route – not stopping at Neath or Swansea
Sunday 8 February
- Replacement road transport is planned between Cardiff Central, Bridgend and Port Talbot Parkway or between Cardiff Central and Swansea (non-stop)
- Trains will still operate between London Paddington and Cardiff Central, plus between Port Talbot Parkway or Swansea and Carmarthen
GWR Station Manager for South Wales, Kay Davies, said:
“We apologise for the impact this work will have on customers, but this is a really important investment in the long-term reliability of our railway.
“Timetables have been amended for these dates to reflect the change to services, including a reduced train service between Cardiff Central and London Paddington.
“If your usual train is affected, replacement buses will be running, but please allow extra time as bus journeys will take a little longer than the train.”
Transport for Wales Planning & Performance Director, Colin Lea, said:
“We’re working closely with Network Rail and GWR to keep passengers moving during these essential upgrades.
“While some of our services will be diverted and journey times may be longer, we’re committed to providing alternative travel options throughout this period.
“We’d encourage passengers to plan ahead, check before they travel, and allow extra time for their journeys.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience while this important work is carried out to improve the long-term reliability of rail services across South Wales.”
Network Rail Wales and Borders Route Director, Nick Millington, said:
“We’re working really hard to improve train service punctuality and this essential work is a part of our commitment to do that.
“We recognise there is never a good time to close the railway, but we have planned the renewals to minimise disruption as much as possible.
“I would like to thank passengers for their patience and urge them to check their journeys before travelling.”
Travel smart
- Check your journey: GWR.com/Upgrade
- Allow extra time
- Sign up for alerts to stay informed of any changes
- Your rail ticket is valid on replacement buses
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