The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has granted approval for a substantial package of improvements at Ynyswen railway station in South Wales, marking a further milestone in the ongoing Core Valley Lines (CVL) transformation. The upgrades are intended to increase capacity on the network, make the station more accessible, and support more sustainable travel for communities along the route.

At the centre of the project is the introduction of a new second platform, which will allow additional rail services to operate through the area. Plans also include a new waiting shelter, an emergency fire refuge, and infrastructure that will enable the current platform to be extended in the future.

Passengers will benefit from a modern, accessible footbridge linking both platforms, complete with steps and lift access. The existing platform has also undergone improvements, including the installation of tactile paving along its full length.

The ORR’s authorisation ensures that the station has met national standards relating to safety, accessibility, the environment, and long-term reliability. The regulator has worked alongside Transport for Wales and its delivery partners throughout the approval stages, monitoring surveys and checks to ensure compliance.

Steve Fletcher, Deputy Director, Engineering and Asset Management at ORR, said:

“This is an important step for improving rail connectivity in and around Ynyswen, and we look forward to seeing the upgrades open for passengers soon. We’re pleased to have played our part in getting Ynyswen station ready to open. Our team worked closely with Transport for Wales to support them through the authorisation process, just as we do for new trains and infrastructure across the country.”

Transport for Wales expects the improvements to contribute to a more reliable and higher-capacity rail service as the wider CVL programme continues to reshape rail travel across the region.

Image: Office of Rail and Road