Works are beginning to transform Cardiff's Callaghan Square as part of the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail. The scheme is a new tram-train route set to be built between Cardiff Central Railway Station and Cardiff Bay.
Project Overview
The scheme, starting tomorrow (Monday, June 15), marks the beginning of an ambitious vision for the project. When complete, it will deliver a modern tram system connecting Plasdwr in the north-west of the city with the proposed new Parkway Railway Station in the east.
The project is backed by £100 million in joint funding from the Welsh Government and the UK Government's levelling up fund. It is a joint project between Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales, with GRAHAM appointed as the principal contractor.
First Phase Details
The first phase will help manage the increase in footfall, transport visitors to and from Cardiff's 16,500-seat indoor arena (currently under construction), and carry workers, residents and visitors between the bay and the city centre.
Key deliverables include:
- A new tram-train connection between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay, via the new Loudoun Square Railway Station
- New tram platforms at Cardiff Central Railway Station and an additional platform at Cardiff Bay Railway Station
- A new twin-track tramway through Callaghan Square
- A simpler road layout for safety and ease of use
- New pedestrian spaces, landscaping and sustainable drainage
- Fully segregated cycle routes and improved pedestrian crossings
Travel Disruption
Cardiff Council says there will be impacts on the highway network during the works. Although no road closures will occur in the first phase of enabling works, there will be a reduction in traffic lanes on Callaghan Square while the site is cleared and utilities are diverted beneath the carriageway.
Variable message signs on major routes into the city are already providing advance notice to motorists. Additional on-street signage will be installed on roads approaching Callaghan Square later this week.
Alternative Routes Advised
Motorists are advised to consider alternative routes:
- From the north: use North Road, Boulevard de Nantes and Fitzalan Place
- From the east: use Newport Road and Glossop Road
- From the south and west: use the A4232 (Link Road) and Central Link
Official Statements
Cabinet member for climate change, strategic planning and transport, councillor Dan De'Ath, said: "This is a long-term investment in Cardiff's public transport infrastructure and will play a key role in supporting major developments across the city, including the redevelopment of Cardiff Central Railway Station, the regeneration of Callaghan Square, the new indoor arena and the Atlantic Wharf redevelopment in Cardiff Bay."
Deputy minister for transport, Mark Hooper, said: "I am delighted that work is due to start this month on Cardiff Crossrail. I am committed to the delivery of high quality, affordable public transport and thanks to the Welsh Government's £50m investment, Cardiff Crossrail will improve connectivity in our capital city."
Chief infrastructure officer from Transport for Wales, Dan Tipper, said: "The start of works on this first phase is an important milestone in delivering improved public transport for Cardiff. Working in partnership with Cardiff Council, we're focused on creating modern, reliable and more sustainable ways for people to travel across the city."
Contracts director at GRAHAM, Andrew Henry, added: "Work starting on site is a crucial moment for the Cardiff Crossrail project, which will fundamentally change how people move around the city. Callaghan Square is a busy, working environment, with significant utility diversions required beneath the carriageway before trackwork can begin. Our team has planned this carefully to keep disruption to a minimum."
