Llanelli AM raises concerns over noise at Loughor bridge construction

LLANELLI AM Keith Davies has met with representatives of Network Rail to view construction of the second line linking Llanelli and Swansea over the Loughor.

The £40 million scheme funded by the Labour Welsh Government is project managed by Network Rail. The work will provide additional capacity along the route which could see an additional two trains per hour between Llanelli and Swansea if needed with fewer delays over the bridge itself.

A section of the grade II listed railway bridge will be retained towards the western end of the crossing– to mark the historical importance of the timber trestle viaduct which has been in use since 1852. The new structure will be strengthened to accommodate two trains running over it at any one time.

Mr Davies used the meeting to address local concerns about noise whilst construction works continue.

Keith Davies AM said:

“Local residents on the Llanelli side of the Loughor had complained to me about the high levels of noise, on occasion, during the night. I was assured that noise would be kept to a minimum now and that it was only necessary to work overnight for tidal reasons during the early construction phase.

“There is no doubt that, in the long term, the bridge will improve journey times between Llanelli and Swansea, where currently some delays occur because only one train can travel along the 5 mile single line stretch at any one time.

“I was also pleased to hear that disruption to rail services will be kept to a minimum until it will be absolutely necessary to close the line temporarily to transfer from the current track to the other.”