Cardiff to Bridgend railway closes again next weekend and in October

The railway between Cardiff and Bridgend via Pontyclun will close again from 1.20am on Saturday 26 September until 4.05am on Monday 28 September. A further closure is planned for the same times from Saturday 17 October until Monday 19 October.

Passengers should expect longer journeys. Replacement buses will serve local stops between Cardiff Central and Bridgend via Pontyclun, while some trains will be diverted through the Vale of Glamorgan.

What runs next weekend

Great Western Railway services to and from Swansea will use an amended timetable and run up to 30 minutes earlier than usual. These trains will be diverted between Cardiff Central and Bridgend without calling on the Vale of Glamorgan route.

Transport for Wales plans a reduced service between Cardiff Central and Bridgend via Barry. One train an hour will call at Barry, Rhoose Cardiff International Airport and Llantwit Major before Bridgend.

Other Cardiff services change

On Saturday 26 September, trains between Caerphilly and Penarth will not run. Two trains an hour are planned between Cardiff Central and Barry Island, two between Coryton and Penarth, and four between Cardiff Central and Rhymney or Bargoed, with some retimed.

Why the line is closing

Network Rail teams are renewing track between Pontsarn and Llanharan, testing rail and signalling equipment, clearing vegetation and surveying structures. The October work includes rail replacement between Cardiff West Junction and St Fagans and between Miskin and Pontyclun.

The first closure in this three-weekend programme ran from 19 to 21 September. Transport for Wales advises passengers to check the journey planner before setting out and allow extra time.