The ambitious £100 million tram project aims to link Cardiff city centre with Cardiff Bay. This marks the first phase of Cardiff Council’s long-term Crossrail vision.
The project includes incorporating a new dedicated two-platform tram station into Cardiff Central along with significant infrastructure enhancements. The tram line is expected to revolutionise public transport in the area.
Project Overview
The new tram line aims to connect Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay, significantly enhancing public transport options. The initial budget for this first phase is capped at £100 million.
Artist impressions released by Cardiff-based firm The Urbanists illustrate the planned route. The tram line will run from a new two-platform station at Cardiff Central, through Callaghan Square, before linking to the existing rail line on Bute Street.
Infrastructure and Construction
A new two-platform tram station will be integrated into Cardiff Central’s current surface car park on its south side. The tram route will pass through the Callaghan Square office area and join the existing rail line to Cardiff Bay.
Upgrades include the electrification and dual-tracking of the current Bay line. A third platform will be added at Cardiff Bay station to accommodate the Crossrail services.
Financial and Logistical Details
The final budget for the first phase is still under review, but it remains within the projected cost of £100 million. Extending the line to Pierhead Street could require an additional £40 million. This extension is envisaged as part of a subsequent phase, contingent on securing further funding.
Funding for the initial phase has been secured through Cardiff Council’s successful bid to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, contingent on matching funds of £50 million from the Welsh Government.
Supplementary Works and Approvals
Highway improvements will include new pedestrian and cycle routes to integrate the on-street tram section through Callaghan Square. Early enabling work may commence later this year, pending approval from relevant authorities.
Discussions are ongoing with Network Rail to finalise agreements for the two-platform dedicated Crossrail station on its land south of Cardiff Central. The project aims to be operational by late 2028.
Stakeholder Involvement and Consultation
Cardiff Council has partnered with Transport for Wales and engaged WSP and Rider Levett Bucknall for programme and cost management services. A public consultation on the first phase runs until October 27, seeking input on proposed designs and potential improvements.
Dan De’Ath, Cardiff Council’s cabinet member, highlighted the project’s importance in connecting deprived communities and enhancing public transport capacity. Similarly, Dan Tipper from Transport for Wales emphasised the project’s role in promoting sustainable transportation.
Future Phases and Long-Term Vision
Ultimately, the Crossrail project aims to extend westwards to connect with the South Wales Mainline and the proposed Cardiff Parkway station at St Mellons. This extension would further integrate Cardiff’s public transport network.
A proposed station link to the City Line could allow direct services to Cardiff Bay from the valleys, bypassing the need for transfers at Cardiff Central. This would alleviate pressure on the existing rail services.
Associated Developments and Community Impact
The new tram line promises to boost connectivity, offering increased capacity for both residents and visitors. Cardiff Council’s consultation aims to gather public feedback to refine the project further.
Public engagement events are planned to provide insights and answer queries about the Crossrail project. The Cardiff Crossrail scheme, part of a broader £2 billion integrated transport vision laid out in a 2019 white paper, aims to reshape the city’s transport landscape.
Progress and Milestones
Work on a second platform at Cardiff Bay station is part of the ongoing South Wales Metro rail electrification project. These upgrades will support the new tram line’s operations, ensuring faster and more frequent services.
Stakeholder Statements
Dan De’Ath and Dan Tipper have both expressed enthusiasm for the Crossrail project, underscoring its transformative potential for Cardiff’s public transport system. Detailed quotes from their statements show a unified commitment to sustainable and efficient urban transit solutions.
The £100 million Cardiff tram project is set to bring transformative changes to the city’s public transport system. The first phase, backed by substantial funding, focuses on connecting Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay.
Successful completion of the project promises enhanced connectivity, reduced congestion, and more sustainable transport options for residents and visitors alike. The long-term vision includes further expansion, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated public transport network for Cardiff.
