Normal train services between Cardiff and Newport are expected to resume from Saturday, August 8, following extensive repairs after a lineside fire caused a week of disruption.
Fire damage and repair efforts
The fire broke out next to the railway at Newport on Saturday, August 1, causing extensive damage to signalling equipment and overhead electric power infrastructure. Network Rail engineers have worked 24 hours a day to restore the railway.
Over the past seven days, teams have replaced 11 kilometres of cable and 300 metres of cable troughing, along with damaged signalling, telecoms, and overhead line equipment.
Return to normal service
With recovery work complete, the railway is expected to fully reopen in time for the start of service on Saturday, allowing passenger and freight services to return to normal. Reduced services have operated throughout the week.
Nick Millington, route director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: "This was an incredibly harmful fire which caused extensive damage to both our overhead line and signalling equipment. Our teams have shown unwavering dedication throughout the recovery, working tirelessly to safely repair the railway and restore services as quickly as possible."
Marie Daly, chief operating officer at Transport for Wales, said: "Network Rail have worked around the clock to reopen the line and we'll be running a full service from Saturday 8 August. We advise customers to continue to check for the latest information before travelling over the weekend."
Passenger advice
Hannah Shackleford, Wales and West of England regional development manager at GWR, thanked Network Rail for the "extraordinary round-the-clock effort" and passengers for their patience. Passengers are advised to check nationalrail.co.uk before travelling, as some residual disruption may occur at the start of the weekend.
