Railway electrification work is to begin on the Severn Tunnel in Wales.

Network Rail engineers are training at a facility in Nantgarw to prepare for upgrade works on the 130-year-old structure, which will begin on 12 September.

The six-week project involves installing Rigid Overhead Conductor Rail equipment which will help power new trains through the tunnel.


The scheme will see around 200 workers working to install over eight miles of conductor rail.

Dan Tipper area director at Network Rail Wales said: "This is a great example of working together with our suppliers which is so important to the success in delivering this key milestone in the project to electrify the South Wales Mainline.

"This training facility allows our engineers to train in a safe environment, gaining new qualifications and fully preparing them for the unique work they will be undertaking this autumn to prepare the Severn Tunnel for electrification, providing faster, greener and quieter services for the growing number of passengers that use the railway."

(LM/CD)