The Treherbert railway line is set to close for at least eight months as work is carried out preparing the line for the South Wales Metro.

Transport for Wales (TfW) said due to the sheer scale of work needed, the Treherbert Line between Pontypridd and Treherbert will be closed from April 30, 2023 until early 2024.

No train services will operate during this time.

During the first two weeks of the work on the Treherbert Line, the lines to Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil will also be closed for South Wales Metro transformation work.

Some of the equipment used as part of the signalling system on the Treherbert Line is believed to date back to the 1930s. 

This will be replaced with a modern, brand-new signalling system that will cover the entire line as part of the South Wales Metro project.

The work will also include the diversion of gas and water mains, new station platforms at Treherbert, Ynyswen and Dinas Rhondda, new footbridges at Ynyswen and Dinas Rhondda, and the installation of new track and Overhead Line Equipment throughout the line.

Further work includes new and refurbished toilets, waiting rooms, shelters and the installation or upgrade of help points, CCTV cameras, ticket machines and customer information screens.

The Deputy Minister for Climate Change with responsibility for Transport, Lee Waters, said: “This is a massive investment that will make a huge difference to all passengers.

"There will inevitably be disruption and inconvenience in the short term but it will bring an enormous improvement.

"Please bear with us, it will be worth it.”

Transport for Wales, Rail Infrastructure Director, Karl Gilmore, added: “This is yet another key milestone for the South Wales Metro project.

"This is the biggest upgrade to the ageing Core Valley Lines infrastructure to this scale since it was first built and there is a great deal of work to be carried out by our teams and partners.

“We know it’s going to be hugely inconvenient while the line is closed between April and early 2024, but transforming the dated railway line and bringing it right up-to-date with a modern, electrified line that will allow us to run more frequent and greener services, giving the people of the Rhondda a rail service they deserve."

South Wales Argus: The Treherbert Line will be closed from next MonthThe Treherbert Line will be closed from next Month (Image: Transport for Wales)

During the eight months of work, there will be a rail replacement bus service for customers, consisting of a core timetable of one bus every 30 minutes stopping at all stations. 

There will also be a dedicated school support plan for Treorchy Comprehensive School and morning and evening peak enhancement to reduce journey times and add capacity.

During the Treherbert Line transformation, TfW will be offering 50% off the cost of travel for people living in the Rhondda.

The offer will apply for journeys wholly on the line and journeys between stations on the line and locations through to Cardiff Central. 

TfW said they will be providing further details on how people can take up this offer in the coming weeks.

The transformation of the Core Valley Lines for the Metro has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government and will enable faster, more frequent services between Cardiff and the heads of the valleys.

TfW said the investment in the Metro will significantly improve connectivity providing access to jobs, leisure and other opportunities for the people of Wales through unifying rail, bus and active travel routes.