Cardiff Crossrail

[Smwrff]

Some the discussions about this project have been lost in the South Wales Metro discussions, but this project is Tram based and l believe it belongs here.

The project is now moving into execution, with the following announcement:

GRAHAM has been awarded the contract to design and build the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail project. This significant milestone marks the beginning of an ambitious plan to transform Cardiff’s transport infrastructure.​

Under an early contractor involvement (ECI) deal, GRAHAM will collaborate closely with Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales during the initial stages of the project. This partnership aims to effectively manage design costs and streamline the construction process.

Phase 1 involves the design and construction of a new tramway between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay. The route will pass through Callaghan Square and run alongside the existing Cardiff Bay Line. Works will include a new two-platform station stop at Cardiff Central Station and an additional third platform at Cardiff Bay station. There will be significant highway modifications and improvements to public space.

The Welsh and UK Governments have each committed £50 million to support the initial phase of the tram project, which will connect Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay. Earlier this year, Cardiff Council appointed consultants WSP and Rider Levett Bucknall to provide programme and cost management services for the project.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Dec 2024 ==

The full press release is here: Contract Awarded

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Dec 2024 ==

The project is being promoted by Cardiff Council, and while it is not part of South Wales Metro project, it is aligned with it and has support of Transport for Wales.

Information on the project including a video and renders can be found here from TfW website. Cardiff Crossrail

 

[Smwrff]

There is a good article by Mark Barry on his blog indicating the plans for Crossrail, and which help distinguish between the more traditional rail 'Metro' lines (shown in red and green) and the lighter tram 'Crossrail' lines 'shown in purple.

https://swalesmetroprof.blog/2025/01/03/cardiff-crossrail-phase-2/

 

[Solaris]

FYI

Book Launch: “How to build a Metro”, with author Professor Mark Barry

One view of the collective effort behind the advocacy and development of the Cardiff Capital Region Metro (or South Wales Metro)

www.eventbrite.co.uk

 

[tigermonstera]

Cardiff Council's Environmental Scrutiny Committee will discuss Cardiff Crossrail Phase 1a in their meeting tomorrow. There are a couple of items attached to the agenda, including a draft Transport and Works Act Order and a presentation on the project. The presentation has updated images of Callaghan Square. Notable changes include the northern end of Bute Street no longer being closed, and the suggestion that the track towards Cardiff Central could be green track:

Changes made following Consultation & Project Development Process:

Reopening of Bute Street (Norther Section) southbound: Enables improved Network Resilience​

Continued engagement with Accessibility and Inclusion Stakeholders​

Improved Bus Circulation on Custom House Street: Maintains bus circulation and connections to the bay​

Replacement Bus Layover: Park Street: Assists operational resilience​

Improved Green Infrastructure: Improves Environmental Impact and Townscape​

 

[tigermonstera]

The council have now voted to authorise the Transport and Works Act Order application. The application is expected to be submitted this month, with the potential for a public inquiry in March 2026. If approved, the order will be made in Autumn 2026, although the council are able to carry out highway works before this.

The meeting can be found here.

 

[Smwrff]

The latest TfW video indicates that construction of the Central-Bay link will start in 2027

 

[Smwrff]

Cardiff Council have approved construction of Phase 1A of Crossrail, with pre-construction activity (surveys, site clearance) already started and main construction activity due to start shortly.

Issue details - Cardiff CrossRail Phase 1A - Construction Contract Award : Cardiff Council

 

[Snow1964]

Cardiff Council have approved construction of Phase 1A of Crossrail, with pre-construction activity (surveys, site clearance) already started and main construction activity due to start shortly.

Issue details - Cardiff CrossRail Phase 1A - Construction Contract Award : Cardiff Council

Subject to agreement at Cabinet Meeting on 19th March, GRAHAM as contractor will be the builder

The first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail – a tram‑train route from Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay via Callaghan Square – is set to move into the construction phase, with GRAHAM identified as the principal contractor.

When complete Cardiff Crossrail will deliver a modern tram system connecting Plasdwr in the north west of the city with the proposed new Parkway railway station in the east.

Subject to Cabinet approval at its meeting on March 19th, delegated authority will be given to proceed with GRAHAM as the principal contractor, subject to agreement on the final cost to deliver the first phase of the scheme.

Backed by £100 million in joint funding from the Welsh Government and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the first phase of the project will begin with a new tram link between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay. When completed, this tram link will help transport visitors to and from Cardiff’s 16,500-seat indoor arena which is currently under construction, as well as carry workers, residents and visitors between the Bay and the city centre.

Phase 1a of the scheme will deliver:

• A new tram-train connection between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay
• New tram platforms at Cardiff Central Station and an additional platform at Cardiff Bay 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

First Phase of Cardiff Crossrail Set to Move Towards Construction

The first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail – a tram‑train route from Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay via Callaghan Square – is set to move

businessnewswales.com

 

[Smwrff]

Construction work (enabling works) will start on 19th June in Callaghan Square for Cardiff's Crossrail.

 

[Smwrff]

New contract awarded to Siemens for tram signalling on Crossrail

Wales' first tram-train network moves a step closer with Crossrail contract agreed

Mark Mansfield Plans for Wales’ first tram-train network have taken a step forward after Transport for Wales awarded a contract for signalling systems on the Cardiff Crossrail project. The project will create a new light rail link between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay and is expected to become...

nation.cymru

 

[DD2]

I’ve spotted this in Cardiff LDP material for Junction 33 area and noticed a “Safeguarded route for Metro within site” marked through the development land.

Does anyone know of a map showing the full safeguarded route for Cardiff Crossrail?

I’m trying to understand whether there is a detailed proposals map or GIS style plan.

 

[The Pelican]

July's Modern Railways (p62-63) has a good article on Cardiff Crossrail, discussing the Cardiff Bay-Cardiff Central line as Phase 1, the line from Cardiff Bay to Pierhead as Phase 2, the line eastwards through Roath to Newport Road (next to the Cardiff East proposed mainline station) as Phase 3, and a line down to Alexandra Head as Phase 4. It seems like an impressive scheme which will make good use of the Class 398's street running capabilities.

 

[Solaris]

Good article overall however the definition of Cardiff Crossrail Phase 2 all wrong... and Phase 1b is Bay Station to Pierhead St

 

[Dr Day]

July's Modern Railways (p62-63) has a good article on Cardiff Crossrail, discussing the Cardiff Bay-Cardiff Central line as Phase 1, the line from Cardiff Bay to Pierhead as Phase 2, the line eastwards through Roath to Newport Road (next to the Cardiff East proposed mainline station) as Phase 3, and a line down to Alexandra Head as Phase 4. It seems like an impressive scheme which will make good use of the Class 398's street running capabilities.

With all that street running, feels like 'proper low floor tram', operationally and organisationally independent of the Valleys with neater platforms to fit into the streetscape etc might have been a better longer term decision, but like Manchester, incremental add-ons to an existing system make more short term sense.

 

[Snow1964]

News update regarding site clearance and roadworks to enable Cardiff Crossrail ahead of new phase of works from 24 July

14/07/26
The enabling works to transform Callaghan Square as part of the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail will continue into the next phase on 24 July to ensure a new tram-train route can be built between Cardiff Central Railway Station and Cardiff Bay.
Vital works to divert utilities beneath the carriageway are ongoing, including the relocation of a high-pressure gas main, and motorists are being advised to choose alternative routes while the works take place.

As part of the next phase, the current lane restrictions will remain in place, while a section of Bute Street between Maria Street and North Church Street will be closed to vehicles from 24 July for approximately six weeks, with temporary traffic management measures in place around Callaghan Square.

Access to North Church Street and Maria Street will be maintained via alternative routes, while pedestrian access will remain available throughout the works.

The joint project between Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales has appointed GRAHAM as the principal contractor to deliver the first phase of the scheme.

The scheme marks the beginning of an ambitious vision for Cardiff Crossrail, which, when complete, will deliver a modern tram system connecting Plasdwr in the north-west of the city with the proposed new Parkway Railway Station in the east.

Backed by £100 million in joint funding from the Welsh Government and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the first phase of the project will help manage increased footfall, transport visitors to and from Cardiff’s 16,500-seat indoor arena, which is currently under construction, and carry workers, residents and visitors between Cardiff Bay and the city centre.

The scheme will deliver:

• A new tram-train connection between Cardiff Central Railway 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

Site Clearance and Enabling Works on Callaghan Square Continue for Cardiff Crossrail

Site Clearance and Enabling Works on Callaghan Square Continue for Cardiff Crossrail

www.cardiffnewsroom.co.uk