People in Blaenau Gwent have described the huge need for a long-awaited reopening of a direct train service to Newport.
The vital train service from Ebbw Vale to Newport, which ceased operating in 1962, will see major work start next month to lay more tracks to allow for a new hourly connection to Newport.
The work that is being carried out by Network Rail will include the creation of two new platforms at the stops in Llanhilleth and Newbridge making them fully accessible, the managing of vegetation on a 13 mile stretch of the line, as well as the laying of new tracks .
The development has been funded by Blaenau Gwent Council and supported by the Welsh Government with a £70 million investment that will allow for more services to be added, including what has been described as a much-needed connection to Newport.
Many locals who use the popular route are saying the move could provide a significant boost to the valleys towns of Blaenau Gwent, with new opportunities now being available in both Cardiff and Newport.
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The work that is set to start between April 15 and 18 will see Network Rail teams working around the clock to carry out a major track upgrade in the Llanhilleth area, with a rail replacement service in operation for passengers during this period.
Workers will be setting up site compounds at various locations alongside the railway which will be used to access the track over the course of the project - expected to take approximately 18 months.
A £17 million signalling upgrade, funded by Network Rail via the Department for Transport, will also be delivered at the southern end of the line and a state-of-the-art signalling system will be installed and controlled from the Wales Route Operating Centre in Cardiff.
Rhys Pugh, 30, lives in Treherbert but uses the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line regularly when he visits his fiance in Abertillery. He welcomed the update this week and says any improvements to the railways would be greatly appreciated by people in Blaenau Gwent.
He said: "The train connection to Newport is much-needed in this area at the moment, as if you don't drive it can be quite a lengthy journey on the bus with only a few options for getting there.
"I come up here on the Ebbw Vale train from Cardiff to Llanhilleth a couple of times a week myself, so I know the line is well used and having more options for trains would be really helpful I think.
"We had heard rumours that it was going to be happening for a while so to see it finally come through is good, and is definitely a plus to connect the two areas of Blaenau Gwent and Newport.
"For me I would also like to see an extra train to Cardiff running every hour as well now, which I think would be great to reduce waiting times at the station for commuters and people who use connecting trains there."
Local councillor for Llanhilleth Hedley McCarthy was the leader of Blaenau Gwent council when the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line was re-introduced to the borough in 2008, and says its continued development is very important to him as well as to many other residents.
He said: "The development of the train service in Blaenau Gwent is one that is very close to my heart, as I was leader of the council when it was opened in 2008. It is a very important facility for the people who live here as it allows many to commute to work in Cardiff and now Newport as well.
"Seeing it continue progress is great, and overall I think the work that is about to go ahead to connect the borough to Newport is a positive move."
Kieron Hopkin, 19, catches the train at Llanhilleth and says extra trains here could also be a big boost for the economy of the area, with more people now able to travel to work in Newport and Cardiff.
He said: "It will definitely be a lot better when we have extra trains as it makes it easier for those travelling to work in Cardiff and also Newport when that starts.
"I do think it could create more opportunities for people in the valleys, as they might be able to take on more jobs in these places if the train times better match their working hours.
"Having a direct link to Newport would be especially nice for the area because at the moment the buses down that way can take a very long time from certain parts of the borough. Obviously the work on the tracks and new platforms is going to start quite soon but I think it will all be worth it once it's done."
James Price, Transport for Wales chief executive believes the development of the line could have a significant impact on people living in Blaenau Gwent.
He said: "This substantial investment from the Welsh Government will bring significant benefits for people living in Ebbw Vale and the surrounding communities.
"Transport for Wales will be able to run additional services, and more frequent services, when the work is complete as part of our wider programme to transform the Wales and Borders network.
"While the work is taking place we advise passengers to check our new website, our recently-updated app or the TfW social media channels for the latest travel information."
Councillor Dai Davies, executive member for regeneration, Blaenau Gwent Council said: "We are fully supportive of this project. Any additional rail link, and an increase in the frequency and reliability of train services is great news for the future economic prosperity of Blaenau Gwent.
"It will help to connect people and communities with employment; training and social opportunities. This is just part of improvements that need to be made to public transport and the aim for an integrated service for all."
Bill Kelly, Wales and Borders route director at Network Rail added: "Working with Transport for Wales and all of our partners, we’re delighted this work is now beginning on the Ebbw Vale line to enable more trains to run in the future.
"A more frequent service will mean passengers between Ebbw Vale Town and Crosskeys will be able to access more jobs, training, and leisure opportunities. We know that there will be some disruption for local communities and passengers and we’re grateful for their support and patience as we deliver this important upgrade."
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