Rugby fans have once again been warned of disruption to train services ahead of Wales' upcoming clash with Australia. The warning comes after there was significant disruption to transport the first Autumn Internationals game against New Zealand even though planned rail strikes were called off and further disruption after the third game against Georgia after the strikes recommenced.
Now fans have been told industrial action on Saturday, November 26, by the train drivers’ union Aslef at 12 other operators means Transport for Wales services across the Wales and Borders network are likely to be very busy. There are also no Great Western Railway services to and from Wales that day.
With kick-off at 3.15pm there will be a full city centre road closure from 11.15am until 7.15pm to ensure all ticketholders can get into and out of the stadium safely. Meanwhile the M4 is also expected to be very busy.
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Cardiff council has urged travellers to plan ahead and avoid congestion in the city by using the park and ride at County Hall in Cardiff Bay. People have been advised to plan their journey and get in early in time for gates opening at 12.45pm. Here is the travel information you need to know for the Wales v Australia match including road closures, trains, buses, and parking facilities
Road closures
From 7am Scott Road and Park Street will be closed because of the need to prepare gate five and protect queuing fans. The following roads will be closed as part of the full city centre road closure which will take place at 11.15am until 7.15pm:
- Kingsway from its junction with North Road to its junction with Duke Street.
- Cowbridge Road East from its junction with Cathedral Road to its junction with Westgate Street.
- Tudor Street from its junction with Clare Road to its junction with Wood Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted via Fitzhamon Embankment.)
- Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street from their junctions with Despenser Place to their junctions with Tudor Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted.)
- The following roads will be closed in their entirety: Duke Street, Castle Street, High Street, St Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street, and Scott Road.
- Station Terrace and Guildford Street from the junction with Newport Road to the junction with Churchill Way will be access for buses only during the times of the road closures. This is to ensure that there is reliable access for buses to the satellite points in Churchill Way.
- Additionally Penarth Road from the rear of the train station throughout its length to St Mary Street will be closed to ensure that train passengers can arrive and depart from the train station safely.
Access to part of the Civic Centre will be controlled throughout the day with access allowed only for event parking, limited commuter parking, loading, and access to private car parks. Roads affected include King Edward VII Avenue, Museum Avenue, City Hall Road, College Road, and Gorsedd Gardens Road.
Trains
Rail passengers are being urged to plan their journeys carefully this Saturday with industrial action set to affect services across the Wales and Borders network. Transport for Wales (TfW) is not involved in Saturday’s strikes but industrial action by the train drivers’ union Aslef at 12 other operators means TfW services across the network are likely to be very busy.
On Saturday TfW services in south Wales between Carmarthen and Newport are expected to be very busy because there are no Great Western Railway (GWR) services running in or out of Wales on that day. TfW has strongly advised all customers are to check for the latest travel information on its website, mobile app, or social media channels before making their journey.
TfW is providing coach services between Swansea and Cardiff and also between Newport and Cardiff to provide additional capacity for the rugby. To book coach travel click here.
Buses
Bus services will be diverted while the city centre road closures are in place and Cardiff council has advised passengers to visit the relevant bus operator's website for more information about your specific bus routes. For Stagecoach services click here. For Cardiff Bus services click here. For NAT services click here. National Express coaches will use Sophia Gardens as usual when the roads are open. During the road closures National Express services will operate from Cathedral Road.
Coach travel
The Welsh Rugby Union has partnered with Big Green Coach to put on special coach services for supporters. Return coach travel is available from four locations including Bristol, Swindon, Reading, and London (King’s Cross). Return coach seats start from £33 and all coaches are timetabled to arrive in plenty of time before the game and will take fans home again after full-time. Tickets can be purchased online here.
Parking
Civic centre event-day parking: To get there exit at junction 32 of the M4, head south on the A470 towards the city centre, and follow signage to the civic centre. The cost is £15 payable on the day at the car park – card payments are also now available. The car park will open at 8am and closes at midnight.
Sophia Gardens event-day parking: The car park at Sophia Gardens is approximately a 0.5-mile walk to gate two of the Principality Stadium. To get there exit at junction 32 off the M4. The cost is £15 payable on the day at the car park – card payments are now available. The car park opens at 8am and closes at midnight. It will be staffed until 7pm. All vehicles are left on site at the owner's risk. Cardiff council says it will not be held responsible for any theft or damage to motor vehicles or personal possessions. Any vehicles left in the car park after closing time will be fined.
Shopping parking: Shoppers are advised to make use of the dedicated shopping park and ride sites at Pentwyn or County Hall. City centre car parks are also available: North Road car parks, St David's shopping centre, John Lewis, Capitol Shopping Centre, and NCP (Adam Street, Dumfries Place, and Greyfriars Road.)
Disabled parking: Disabled drivers are advised to use Sophia Gardens. Disabled parking is also available at various private car parks. The council advises to check individual websites for availability.
Park and ride
The event park and ride facilities will be at County Hall in Cardiff Bay with the city centre drop-off point at Callaghan Square. The park and ride site will open at 8.50am with the first bus leaving at 9am. The last bus from the city centre will be at 7pm with the site closing soon after. The cost is £10 payable on the day and card payments are now available.
Taxis
St Mary Street taxi rank (outside House of Fraser) will close at 11.15am and will re-open at 7.15pm. To get the latest Cardiff news straight to your inbox subscribe to our daily newsletter here.
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