14 December 2007
“A further meeting was held this afternoon between senior representatives from Capita Symonds, Amey Construction and Network Rail and officials from Blaenau Gwent Council and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Network Rail confirmed to the meeting that handover of the track from Blaenau Gwent to Network Rail can take place early next week, subject to final inspection of the route this weekend.
Network Rail also confirmed that the new track had been successfully tested by their state-of-the-art testing train during November and that the signalling system was commissioned earlier this week.
Following the handover of the track, a project team led by Network Rail will meet to identify any remaining works that need to be completed. Network Rail will then work with the contractors to rectify any outstanding issues.
Network Rail will liaise with Arriva Trains Wales to determine a timetable for route familiarisation training for train drivers before the introduction of the new service."
