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A
major milestone in the project to restore the rail link between
Ebbw Vale, Cardiff and Newport has been reached, with invitations
to tender for the construction of stations, signalling, structures
and tracks going out to contractors.
The
first contract, for the detailed design and construction of
signalling, structures and track will go out to tender on the 15th
April. The second contract, for the six stations, will go out on
the 29th April. Both tenders are to be returned by the
short-listed contractors by the 28th June.
The
contracts are expected to be awarded to the successful bidders in
the autumn of this year, with construction itself commencing in
Spring 2006.
The
vegetation clearance contract for the entire route, which
commenced in January, has now been completed on time and to
budget. Ground Investigation of the track bed is currently
underway.
The
advance ordering of railway track for the line and the subsequent
delivery is currently being finalised.
This is a critical element of the process as there is up to
a year’s lead in time for delivery.
A
planning application for the station at Ebbw Vale has now been
submitted with the Llanhilleth station due to be submitted by the
end of April 2005.
Planning consent is already in place for the stations at
Newbridge and Rogerstone. Planning applications for Crosskeys and
Risca & Pontymister station will follow.
The
project crosses and involves three unitary authorities: Blaenau
Gwent, Caerphilly and Newport, with Blaenau Gwent taking the lead
in procuring the works.
Capita
Symonds are the project managers.
The Welsh Assembly Government, Network Rail, the Strategic
Rail Authority and Arriva Trains Wales are closely involved in the
project.
Councillor
Gill Clark, Executive Member for Highways and Transportation,
said, “The Ebbw Valley Rail link is a vital component in
building a modern transport infrastructure for Blaenau Gwent and
the wider Five Counties region.
“By
building fast and effective links for business and leisure, it is
hoped that we can continue to drive the economic regeneration of
the County Borough towards a prosperous future.”
Councillor
John Hopkins, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, said, “I’m very
pleased to see the project progressing.
“The
spirit of co-operation between the partners in this project,
including Network Rail, Caerphilly and Newport Councils and the
Welsh Assembly Government, is an example of how this kind of
ambitious project can become a reality through concerted effort.
“The
railway is a hugely exciting scheme which will make a real
difference to the people of Blaenau Gwent, and we look forward to
seeing the proposals coming in from the contractors.”
Andrew
Davies, Minister for Economic Development and Transport said:
"The provision of rail passenger services from Ebbw Vale to
Cardiff and Newport is an important project, and will bring
substantial economic and social benefits to the area."
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