<-- News Release

MINISTER AWARDS CONTRACTS FOR EBBW VALLEY LINE

Andrew Davies, Minister for Economic Development and Transport has today announced that contracts to complete the detailed design of the Ebbw Valley line and main site works have been awarded to Amey Rail.   

This project involves upgrading the existing Western Valley line and Ebbw branch to accommodate passenger services from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff and Newport, which will provide an hourly service from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff.  A bus link from the new Rogerstone railway station to Newport will also be provided.  

Andrew Davies, Minister for Economic Development and Transport, said:  "I am delighted to announce that Amey Rail has been awarded the contract to restore passenger services to the Ebbw Valley line. This announcement not only demonstrates our continued committment to investing in the rail network across Wales, but will bring substantial economic and social benefits to the area." 

The whole project is being jointly developed by Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly County Borough Councils and Newport City Council, in conjunction with the Welsh Assembly Government, Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales. Main site works will begin in Spring 2006 and is due to be completed in 2007. 

Councillor John Hopkins, Leader of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, said:  “I am pleased to have been asked to lead on the project, working jointly with Caerphilly County Borough Council, Newport City Council and officials from the Assembly. It is a team effort to bring the passenger railway back to the Ebbw valley almost 50 years after it closed. 

“The railway will be a catalyst for the regeneration of the area. It will encourage people living in Blaenau Gwent to seek employment along the M4 corridor. It will also encourage people in the Cardiff area who work in Cardiff to purchase properties in the Ebbw Vale district where there is high quality affordable housing compared to the coastal belt. 

“I shall also be working further to develop the link line to Abertillery to encourage the development of a station at Cwm, and most importantly bring the line up to the town centre of Ebbw Vale with the station at the rear of the former General Offices on the Corus site.”