SIGNALLING & COMMUNICATIONS


Langman has also noted that the huge investment in the South Wales railway will need plenty of skilled people to do the work, and has encouraged people to consider apprenticeships with Network Rail. Although the bulk of that training is at the HMS Sultan facility in Hampshire, there are also chances to work on site in Wales, for example at Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (see images).


Minister for Local Government and


Communities, Carl Sargeant, said: “This multi- million pound investment, which includes Welsh Government funding [£17m], will allow additional capacity on the rail network around Cardiff.


A breakdown of the works


• Cardiff West Junction to Ninian Park: A doubling of the Treforest Curve to enable improved frequency of trains onto/from the City line • Tir-Phil: A new platform and passing loop at Tir-Phil to enable a half-hourly service • Pontypridd: A new bay platform and passing loop at Pontypridd to allow an extra two trains per hour to run between Pontypridd and Cardiff • Cogan Freight Loop: The freight line at Cogan Junction is being upgraded to create extra capacity and improve operational resilience • Barry Town station: The old bay platform is being brought back into use to deliver additional capacity capability at the station


“This is the fi rst tangible step in delivering electrifi cation of the Valley Lines, as well as part of the continued investment and improvement of the rail network in Wales, as set out in the National Transport Plan.”


Mike Bagshaw, commercial director for Arriva Trains Wales, added: “This important work will lay the foundation for future extra capacity and will mean extra services and journey opportunities for passengers using one of


i More stories like this at:


www.railtechnologymagazine.com/ track-and-signalling


the busiest parts of the Arriva Trains Wales network.


“When combined with the recent electrifi cation announcement, station improvements being delivered by Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail, and the extra capacity the project will deliver, passengers in the Cardiff area will see a real transformation to their rail services.”


Mark Langman


TELL US WHAT YOU THINK opinion@railtechnologymagazine.com


• Caerphilly: A new platform to create the capacity for additional services to run between Caerphilly and Cardiff • Cardiff Central: An extra platform at Cardiff Central to provide additional station capacity. A new entrance will also welcome passengers at the south side of the station with a new lift also provided • Cardiff Queen Street: An extra through platform at Cardiff Queen Street station to help accommodate a future increase in services as well as a new bay platform for the Cardiff Bay shuttle service; a refurbished station entrance and new lifts to platforms will improve accessibility and the passenger experience


(Source: Network Rail)


118 | rail technology magazine Aug/Sep 12


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