Amey Wins Ebbw Vale Rebuild Contract

[madhattie]

Although this news story is many miles from the Bristol area I think it is worth archiving here because of the figures quoted.

From Rail Express, February 2006.

'A ú15 Million contract has been awarded to Amey to restore the closed Ebbw Valley line and to build six new stations. When re-opened, it will provide a new passenger service, operated by Arriva Trains Wales, from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff. When track alterations and signalling have been completed, trains will also run into Newport.

The Ebbw Valley Project, run by the South East Wales Transport Board, has awarded the contract. Ten Welsh local authorities make up this body. Since the Ebbw Vale tinplate works closed, the railway has not been used.

The new stations will be built at Rogerstone, Risca & Polymister, Crosskeys, Newbridge, Llanhilleth and Ebbw Vale Parkway. Presently, the line is single but the project will see extended passing loops installed and associated signalling. Passenger services are scheduled to start in Spring 2008.'

So, six stations, passing loops, new signalling, and the necessary junctions to run both to Cardiff and Newport for ú15 Million.....

Compare this to the previous estimate of ú9 Million to reinstate a half mile of line on the Portishead branch...

Words fail me

[Portishead Prowler]

Me also, esp when there is supposedly a moratorium on further rail track laying!

There is no way that it would cost that for sure, esp when Crest Nicholson have put funds aside to support the project! But I won't rant on......

Proves that where there's a will, there's a way, so there's hope for Portishead yet.