Cardiff's new tram/train moves to construction
When complete it will deliver a tram system connecting Plasdwr in the north west of the city with the proposed new Parkway railway station in the east
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.
This milestone marks a major step forward for the vision of Cardiff Crossrail, according to the council, which, when complete, will deliver a 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 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
Dan Tipper, Transport for Wales’ Chief Infrastructure Officer, said: “We’re continuing to work in partnership with Cardiff Council on the delivery of the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail, connecting Cardiff Central station and Cardiff Bay station directly by rail for the first time.
“Our ambition is that the delivery of the scheme will contribute towards a more sustainable transport network for Cardiff, which will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and instead choose more sustainable ways to travel. It’ll also significantly improve the railway network between the city centre and Cardiff Bay, benefiting the wider city and region.”