Published on : Saturday, October 18, 2014
The upgrade of Ystrad Mynach station received an enthusiastic reception from two Caerphilly politicians when they visited the station on Friday 17 October to view progress on the £3.6m project.
Wayne David MP and Jeff Cuthbert AM joined representatives from Network Rail, which is carrying out the work, to see how the improvements are taking shape.
The redevelopment includes a new footbridge with lifts, which will provide step-free access from the station entrance to the two platforms for the first time. This will improve access for people with impaired mobility or those travelling with luggage, children and cycles.
A new ticket office is being built, along with new passenger shelters on the station’s two platforms to improve customer waiting facilities as part of the multi-million pound modernisation scheme.
The Caerphilly MP and Caerphilly AM met staff working on site and viewed the recently constructed ticket office, part of the new footbridge and the foundations for one of the new lifts.
Wayne David MP said: “I am delighted to see the progress at Ystrad Mynach which will give local people a station they can be really proud of.
“Revitalising the station and improving the gateway to Ystrad Mynach can act as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area.”
Jeff Cuthbert AM said: “The regeneration of Ystrad Mynach, which is partly funded by Welsh Government, will create a station which is easier and more comfortable for passengers to use.
“The new footbridge and lifts show we have worked together to provide the disabled access improvements to the station which local people have called for.”
James Jackson, route enhancements manager for Network Rail Wales, said: “We are revamping Ystrad Mynach station to make improvements for passengers which will last for many years.
“As well as improving customer waiting facilities, the scheme will provide a step-free, accessible route for all passengers from the station entrance to both platforms.
“More and more people are travelling by rail and we are making improvements across Wales to cater for increasing passenger demand and help transform the Welsh railway into a world-class infrastructure.”
Transport Minister Edwina Hart announced in December 2013 that Ystrad Mynach station would be regenerated as part of the £24m Wales Station Improvement Scheme. The money will also be used to improve customer facilities at Aberystwyth, Port Talbot Parkway, Rhyl and Pontypridd stations.This is part of a £39m programme to improve rail stations across Wales, with £21m provided by the European Regional Development Fund and £7m Welsh Government funding.
Further funding specifically for access improvements at the station came in March this year as part of the £12m Access for All scheme. Chirk, Llandaf, Machynlleth and Radyr stations will also receive funds as part of the scheme, which will create step and obstacle-free routes to access platforms and enter stations, through new footbridges, lifts and ramps. The programme is funded by £7m from the Welsh Government and £5m from the Department for Transport.
Ystrad Mynach station has remained open during construction and workers have done everything possible to minimise disruption for passengers. The work at the station is expected to be completed by spring 2015. Alongside Network Rail, the principle contractors working on site are Amco Rail.
Tags: network rail
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