Warning of disruption as Cardiff Crossrail works to start

As the huge project gets underway, drivers have been advised to use alternative routes in the city

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.

The scheme, which work is set to start on Monday, June 15, marks the beginning of an ambitious vision for the project, which, when complete, 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.

It is backed by £100 million in joint funding from the Welsh Government and the UK Government’s levelling up fund, and is a joint project between Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales, with GRAHAM appointed as the principal contractor. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

The first phase of the project 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.

What the first phase of the scheme will deliver:

• A new tram-train connection between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay, via the new Loudoun Square Railway Station, which is currently under construction.
• 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, making the area safer and easier to 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 while work takes place.

Although there will be no road closures during the first phase of the enabling works, there will be a reduction in traffic lanes on Callaghan Square while the site is cleared and the contractor begins diverting utilities beneath the carriageway.

Variable message signs on major routes into the city are already providing advance notice to motorists, with additional on-street signage being installed on roads approaching Callaghan Square later this week.

Motorists are advised to consider alternative routes while these works are underway:

• From the north, motorists are advised to use North Road, Boulevard de Nantes and Fitzalan Place.
• From the east, motorists are advised to use Newport Road and Glossop Road.
• From the south and west, motorists are advised to use the A4232 (Link Road) and Central Link.

What’s been said…

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.

“The vision for Cardiff Crossrail is clearly set out in the city’s 10-year transport vision. This is about building a greener, more sustainable and affordable transport system for the city.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience while we deliver these vital works.

“As the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail will run through Callaghan Square, the work involved is very complex, as significant work must take place to divert key utilities beneath the carriageway that serve businesses and residents in the city centre and beyond.”

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.

“Crossrail is a key part of our vision for a South Wales Metro that will support Cardiff’s continued growth, improve connectivity and provide greater choice for residents, businesses and visitors.

“We’d like to thank the public for their patience as we begin this essential work.”

And contracts director at GRAHAM, Andrew Henry, said: “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, and we would ask road users to follow the signage in place and allow a little extra time for their journeys.

“Cardiff has an exciting few years ahead and we are proud to be delivering infrastructure of this scale in the city. Our team looks forward to handing over a tram-train connection that will serve residents and visitors for generations.”

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