The damage from the fire means a reduced service is running on a number of major lines between Cardiff and Newport
Firefighters tackle a large lineside fire near Lighthouse Road in Newport (Image: John Myers)
Major rail disruption is set to continue for the rest of this week following a fire near the line between Cardiff and Newport over the weekend.
The fire, which broke out next to the railway at Newport on Saturday, has caused “extensive” damage to rail infrastructure, including signalling equipment and overhead electric power.
On Monday, the damage from the fire continued to cause major delays with a reduced service running and passengers warned to check before they travel.
Network Rail has since confirmed the disruption is likely to continue “for the rest of the week”. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter
In a post on X the public body which operates and maintains rail said: “Due to extensive damage to rail infrastructure caused by the lineside fire between Cardiff and Newport on Saturday, disruption to services is likely to continue for the rest of the week.
“Network Rail is working around the clock to replace damaged cables and equipment so services can return to normal as soon as possible.
“We would like to thank customers for their patience while the repairs take place and apologise for the on-going disruption to journeys.”
At present, some lines between Cardiff Central and Newport remain closed to allow for the extensive repairs to continue. This means that a heavily reduced service is in operation between these stations.
According to Network Rail, the following routes are affected by the disruption:
- CrossCountry between Nottingham and Cardiff Central
- Great Western Railway between London Paddington and Swansea / Carmarthen, and also between Taunton / Exeter St Davids / Portsmouth Harbour and Cardiff Central
- Transport for Wales between Manchester Piccadilly and Pembroke Dock / Milford Haven / Fishguard Harbour, and between Holyhead / Chester / Cheltenham Spa and Cardiff Central, and also between Newport (South Wales) and Ebbw Vale Town
Tickets are being accepted on some bus routes as a result of the disruption, and some rail replacement services are also in place. Full details can be found on the Network Rail website, here.
