Pontypool & New Inn railway station works delayed for safety

The works on the Pontypool & New Inn railway station, located on Pontypool Road, began a few years ago.

In a joint statement from Network Rail and Torfaen County Borough Council, platform gradients, drainage and industry regulation are some of the reasons for the delay in getting the station up and running.

Pontypool & New Inn Station with barriers as works are ongoing (Image: Mike Wilcock)

The statement said: "We continue to work together, along with Transport for Wales, to get the station at Pontypool & New Inn open as quickly as possible. 

“Any new facility of this nature is subject to industry regulation and there remain some outstanding issues, mainly around platform gradients and drainage, that need to be resolved before the facility can be granted authorisation to open.  

“Unfortunately resolving these issues has led to some delays but they are being addressed to ensure the facility can be used safely once it is operational. We are working hard to make sure these are completed quickly so we can deliver a brand new station which is both safe and fully accessible for the local community.” 

Pontypool & New Inn Station empty car park as works are ongoing (Image: Mike Wilcock)

A spokesperson for Torfaen Council also added: “Unfortunately, outstanding historical issues have been identified which need to be resolved before it can open.  

"We are working hard to make sure these are completed as soon as possible, so we can deliver a brand new station which is both safe and fully accessible for the local community.”

Mike Wilcock from Llanblethian, who has a keen interest in railways and photography, has been asking the question of when the station will be fully opened for a while.

Pontypool & New Inn Station empty car park as works are ongoing (Image: Mike Wilcock)

Mike Wilcock from Llanblethian (Image: Mike Wilcock)

Mr Wilcock, 80, said the Pontypool & New Inn railway station "was going to be a brand new and modern station."

He added: "It has been a few years since renovations began. It's a big site to clear so they've done a good job working on the line and keeping it open.

"The big disappointment is the car park is all but full.

Pontypool & New Inn Station empty car park as works are ongoing (Image: Mike Wilcock)

"They've got a massive car park on the town side that is left unused.

"It's all ready, tarmaced, road is marked, footbridge is in with lifts on the side but everyone is waiting for the day it is fully opened."

Mike Wilcock currently has 668,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, which is dedicated to railway-related content.