Enabling the future of rail – Core Highways traffic management for South Wales Metro and Core Valley Lines electrification

Description of Services Provided:

Working for Alun Griffiths on behalf of Transport for Wales (TfW), Core Highways has delivered tailored TM solutions across multiple phases of construction of the new depot at Taff’s Well, and has supported delivery of associated works at other stations on the CVL such as Caerphilly and Ynyswen. 

Core Highways has delivered a complex package of TM valued at over £1.8m including both high- and low-speed requirements in support of this transformational programme, including:

• High- speed (12AB) TM requirements on nearby strategic routes to Taff’s Well, including both the A470 and A4054 (Cardiff Road) including installation of temporary barrier, lane/full slip road closures, diversions and VMS signage.
• Extensive 12D TM requirements on local minor roads including full closures, temporary signals/pedestrian crossings, weight restrictions, and enabling Traffic Management on local cycle/pedestrian routes (e.g., the Taff’s Trail tourist attraction).
• 24/7 in-station traffic management at Taff’s Well including erection and maintenance of pedestrian barrier and footbridge closures; electrification works at Caerphilly Rail Station (the car park and walkways at this busy station were managed whilst major works were taking place); drainage improvement works at Ynyswen Station on the Treherbert Line (managed with temporary signals and temporary vehicle restraint systems); and other enabling TM works elsewhere on the CVL to facilitate installation of new infrastructure (e.g., gantries).
• Bespoke TM solutions enabling delivery of abnormal loads including new trains TfW required to be delivered to the CVL from the manufacturer based in Spain.
• Organising rail replacement bus services on behalf of the Client 
  Core Highways’ dedicated project manager, Ross Mackenzie, has overseen all aspects of the works from early contractor involvement through design and operational delivery. His role has been key to effective project planning, TM design, liaison with the Client, TfW, other contractors and local stakeholders, and ensuring efficient deployment of resources to the project from our depots in Swansea, Newport and Bristol. 

Key Challenges

The criticality of the programme and complexity of TM requirements has required Core Highways to design bespoke TM solutions and demonstrate flexibility in rapidly scaling deployment of resources where required by the Client. A selection of specific challenges faced and addressed by our team include:

• Facilitating full electrification testing that took place over a weekend in May 2024. The scale of enabling TM needed over a large geographical area required Core Highways to increase its daily allocation of resources to over 90 operatives.
• Delivery of TfW’s new Stadler trains from the manufacturer based in Spain. The movement of these extraordinary loads, requiring police escorts and extensive night-time TM operations, demanded Core Highways implement full closures and closely coordinate with both local authorities and emergency services. We maintained 24/7 site support during train delivery periods and adapted TM layouts to accommodate unpredictable. scheduling and ensure public safety
• The high-profile and sensitive nature of the project has required effective engagement with local residents and community representatives. Our Project Manager has, along with representatives of the Client and other contractors, personally attended public consultations to address concerns raised by members of the public, and monitors local social media and news outlets to collect feedback on the effectiveness of TM plans/layouts.
• Taking on responsibility for organisation and delivery of rail replacement bus services on behalf of the Client, and liaising with bus operators to temporarily change routes of existing bus services.

Our Project Manager, Ross Mackenzie, interfaces with a complex network of stakeholders in delivery of this project, including our direct Client Alun Griffiths, other contractors (including Amey Rail, Amey Infrastructure Wales, and Amey Consulting), TfW, Local Authorities, bus operators, and South Wales Police. Ross manages daily communications with all parties and attends fortnightly planning meetings with stakeholder representatives. 

Conclusion:

This case study demonstrates Core Highways’ proven ability to deliver complex, adaptive, and politically sensitive traffic management solutions to support construction and delivery of major rail infrastructure. Our work has contributed to the safe and effective transformation of the CVL network and highlights our value as a trusted delivery partner to TfW and its contractors.