Renewing the signalling in west Wales

We’re renewing old signalling equipment to improve journeys in and out of West Wales making them more resilient and reliable, which we aim to be commissioned by the end of 2025.

This project is being carried out in two phases:

  • Phase one – This covers the south Wales mainline between Swansea and Llanelli, including the Heart of Wales line as far north as Pontarddulais, and the Swansea District lines. This was successfully commissioned in May 2023.
  • Phase two – This covers the mainline between Llanelli and Carmarthen. Work has now started since September 2024 and we plan to commission in November 2025.

What work is taking place?

We’re installing a brand-new state-of-the-art system which includes brand-new telecoms, power distribution and modern signalling systems.

The work also includes upgrading four-level crossings along the route with brand-new barriers and crossing equipment which will make it safer for users.

The level crossings that will be upgraded are:

  • Pembrey Level Crossing
  • Kidwelly Level Crossing
  • Bertwyn Level Crossing
  • Ferryside Level Crossing

How will this work affect me?

Work has been ongoing since September 2024 with a mixture of Saturday and midweek night shifts planned until May 2025. To avoid passenger impact over the summer holidays, there will be a brief period of no work being carried out until work resumes in October.

There will be occasions later in the year where we work 24/7 which means no trains will be running. Further details will be shared in the coming months when we close the line.

Why is the work needed?

The current signalling system along this section of railway is quite outdated, with parts dating back to the 1890s. Funded by ourselves via the Department for Transport, £130m is being invested to upgrade the entire signalling system. The benefits include:

  • Reducing delays caused by signal failures
  • Improving passenger journeys by making them safer and more reliable
  • Providing the infrastructure needed for more frequent services in the future
  • Automatically setting routes for trains according to the planned timetables – enabling signallers to focus on critical tasks.

Once complete, signallers will oversee train movements along this 68-mile stretch of railway from brand-new workstations at Port Talbot. This means that four signal boxes at Pembrey, Kidwelly, Carmarthen, and Ferryside will be closed.

Example of the new workstation controlling the re-signalling work done in phase 1

Get in touch

Have a question about the project? Visit our contact us page for all the ways you can get in touch with us.