Chepstow tree cleared as Ebbw Vale rail disruption continues

The tree blocking the railway at Chepstow has been removed and trains are able to run, Transport for Wales says. A separate obstruction at Park Junction between Newport and Pye Corner continues to affect the Ebbw Vale line on Wednesday 21 October. TfW warns of cancellations in both directions between Newport and Ebbw Vale Town, with delays of up to 60 minutes. It estimates the incident will last until 5pm and disruption until 6.30pm, both BST. Those are forecasts, not guaranteed reopening times.

Local buses accepting rail tickets

TfW lists ticket acceptance at no extra cost on four Stagecoach South Wales services: the 21 and 151 between Newbridge and Newport, the X15 between Llanhilleth and Newport, and the 56 between Crosskeys and Newport. The arrangements apply until further notice. Road journeys take longer than rail, so allow extra time and check the individual bus route before travelling.

Pay as you go has different rules

TfW says pay as you go is valid only on its own trains and CrossCountry services. The local bus ticket arrangements do not extend pay as you go to those buses. Before using another operator or a local bus, pay-as-you-go customers must tap out at the same station within an hour of tapping in and buy an alternative ticket before boarding. This is different from a designated rail replacement bus, for which TfW says to tap in at the origin and out at the destination.

Chepstow obstruction cleared

TfW has moved the Chepstow incident to its cleared list and says the tree has been removed and services can run. The earlier obstruction affected Cardiff Central–Cheltenham Spa services. Check TfW’s live updates and your individual train before setting off. If you decide not to travel because of the disruption and your ticket is unused, TfW says you can seek a fee-free refund from the original seller. Updated 3.08pm BST: Chepstow clearance confirmed; continuing Ebbw Vale disruption and local bus ticket arrangements added.