Network Rail have today commenced preparatory works to enable replacement of the rail bridge adjacent to the A467 at Crumlin.
Funded by the Department for Transport, this £5m investment will see the current bridge replaced with a wider deck which will be able to carry two railway lines across it. This work forms part of the wider Ebbw Vale Frequency Enhancement Scheme, funded by Welsh Government, to enable a more frequent rail service on the Ebbw Vale line in the future.
From early August, Network Rail contractors will be busy setting up their site compound in the Navigation Colliery, Crumlin. Once the site compound has been set up, the materials will start arriving to site and the team will carry out some preparation work. This work will mainly be carried out Monday – Friday, during normal daytime hours.
The main work to replace the bridge will take place in September, when there will have three full closures of the railway on the following dates:
- From 00.50 on 4 September to 05.40 on 7 September
- From 00.50 on 12 September to 05.40 on 14 September
- From 00.50 on 19 September to 05.35 on 28 September
During these periods, Network Rail will be working both daytime and night-time to make the most of the time available whilst the railway is temporarily closed.
Working with Transport for Wales, there will be buses available on these dates to transport passengers between Ebbw Vale Town and Newbridge stations.
To ensure the safety of the public and staff, temporary traffic management will be in place, so that Network Rail can temporarily position a 750t crane and materials between the River Ebbw railway bridge and the A467 carriageway.
The key dates for traffic management are:
- 10 August to 18 September – Single lane closure on the A467
- 18 September to 28 September – Daytime traffic lights with single lane closure and full night-time closure on the A467
- 28 September to 18 October – Single lane closure on the A467
To protect their team and the communities they serve, Network Rail have reviewed all planned railway work to ensure they can deliver the work safely in line with COVID-19 Government guidance. They have made changes to the way they work and are confident that they are able to deliver this work safely in line with social distancing guidelines for construction work.
Should you have any questions regarding this work, please call the Network Rail National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email [email protected]
