GRAHAM has been appointed as the principal contractor to deliver the initial phase, which includes a new tram-train route between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay.

Enabling works to transform Callaghan Square as part of the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail are scheduled to begin on 15 June, paving the way for a new tram-train connection linking Cardiff Central Railway Station and Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales have jointly appointed GRAHAM as the principal contractor to deliver this initial phase. The development marks the beginning of a long-term vision for the Cardiff Crossrail, which ultimately aims to deliver a modern tram system connecting Plasdwr in the north-west with a proposed new Parkway Railway Station in the east.

Backed by £100 million in joint funding split between the Welsh Government and the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, the first phase will accommodate rising footfall, serve the new 16,500-seat indoor arena currently under construction, and transport residents, workers, and visitors between the city centre and the Bay.

Phase 1a of the project 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

Cllr Dan De'Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, 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."

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Due to the scale of the infrastructure work, impacts on the local highway network are anticipated. While no road closures are planned for this initial stage of enabling works, traffic lanes on Callaghan Square will be reduced to allow for site clearance and utility diversions beneath the carriageway.

Variable message signs (VMS) on primary routes into the city are already providing advance warning to drivers, and additional on-street signs will be positioned on roads approaching Callaghan Square later this week. Motorists are advised to consider alternative routes during the works:

• From the north: Use North Road, Boulevard de Nantes and Fitzalan Place

• From the east: Use Newport Road and Glossop Road

• From the south and west: Use the A4232 (Link Road) and Central Link

Cllr De'Ath added: "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, stated: "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."

Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer from Transport for Wales, commented: "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."

Andrew Henry, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, concluded: "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."