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Engineering work to bring major disruptions across local rail network

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TRANSPORT FOR WALES, in partnership with Network Rail, has announced a comprehensive programme of engineering works across the South West Wales rail network. The upgrades will modernize outdated signalling systems, telecoms, and power distribution equipment, improving the reliability of train services for passengers traveling in and out of the region.

Service disruptions and replacement buses

The works, scheduled over several weeks, will primarily take place overnight, but extended closures are also planned. Replacement bus services will operate during affected periods, ensuring passengers can still complete their journeys. The key disruptions and bus replacement schedules are as follows:

Dates and Affected Routes

  1. January 14–17 (Tuesday to Friday):
    • Overnight works will cause evening and morning disruptions across the network.
  2. January 25 – February 9 (Saturday to Sunday):
    • Significant closures will impact routes between Swansea, Carmarthen, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Fishguard Harbour.
  3. February 11–14 (Tuesday to Friday):
    • Continued works with disruptions to evening and morning services.
  4. February 17 (Monday):
    • Daytime service interruptions as work nears completion.

Replacement Bus Services by Route

Swansea – Carmarthen

  • Sunday, January 12 & 19
  • Saturday and Sunday, February 15–16
    • Replacement buses will run between Swansea and Carmarthen, with stops at key stations.

Fishguard Harbour – Carmarthen

  • Monday to Friday, January 27–31
    • Daytime closures with bus services covering Fishguard Harbour, Fishguard & Goodwick, Haverfordwest, and Carmarthen.

Fishguard Harbour – Haverfordwest

  • Saturday, January 25
  • Saturday, February 1
  • Monday to Saturday, February 3–8
    • Replacement buses will serve local stops during the closures.

Milford Haven – Carmarthen

  • Monday to Thursday, January 27–30
    • Early afternoon closures daily; buses will operate between Milford Haven and Carmarthen with stops at Johnston, Haverfordwest, and Clarbeston Road.

Pembroke Dock – Carmarthen

  • Saturday, February 1 – Friday, February 14
    • Long-term closures will be in place, with buses covering the route, including Tenby, Saundersfoot, and Kilgetty.

Key Replacement Bus Pick-Up Points

  • Fishguard Harbour: Station entrance.
  • Haverfordwest: Station front.
  • Milford Haven: Station entrance.
  • Tenby: Coach stop at the Upper Park Road car park.
  • Pembroke Dock: Station entrance.

Passengers are advised to refer to local signage at stations for detailed bus stop locations.

Advice for Passengers TfW encourages all travellers to check their journeys in advance, as last-minute changes may occur. The latest updates can be accessed via the JourneyCheck website, the TfW app, or by contacting their customer service team at 0333 3211 202.

Travel Tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance of boarding replacement buses.
  • Allow extra time for journeys and confirm onward connections.
  • Note that bicycles, non-foldable prams, and large luggage cannot be accommodated on replacement buses.

Assistance for Passengers with Accessibility Needs

Special assistance can be booked up to two hours before travel via TfW’s Assisted Travel team at 033 300 50 501. Alternatively, passengers can use the “turn-up-and-go” service.

For Further Information TfW’s Stakeholder Manager for Mid and West Wales, Alexander Bryant-Evans, is available to answer questions regarding the planned works. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or phone at 07398 622223.

These engineering upgrades aim to ensure safer, more reliable rail services for South West Wales, providing passengers with long-term benefits despite the temporary disruptions. TfW appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this vital improvement work.

Community

Major accessibility upgrades coming to Tenby Station

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There will be the provision of step-free access to both platforms for the first time

PASSENGERS using the popular West Wales station are set to enjoy easier, more accessible journeys thanks to Network Rail’s upcoming upgrades.

Supported by the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme, and the Welsh Government, the project will see the construction of a brand-new fully accessible footbridge complete with lifts.

Once complete, the upgrades will make a real difference for disabled people, parents with pushchairs, and those carrying luggage in the busy town – helping to make rail travel more inclusive and convenient. The investment also supports wider goals to encourage public transport use and reduce carbon emissions across the region.

Network Rail’s contractor, AmcoGiffen, will begin setting up the site compound in December 2025. This will include fencing off an area of the station car park near the air cadet huts, resulting in a temporary reduction in parking spaces.

“We’re delighted to be improving accessibility at Tenby Station, ensuring that all passengers can travel with confidence and independence,” said Helen Hodgson, Senior Sponsor, Network Rail Wales and Borders route.

“These upgrades will make a real difference for everyone using the station and reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable railway for the communities we serve.”

Most work will take place during the day, though some overnight activity will be required while the railway is closed, for safety reasons. The station will remain open to passengers while work takes place. Planned working hours are as follows:

  • Daytime: 7:30am to 6:00pm
  • Overnight: 10:00pm to 6:00am

Work will continue throughout 2026, with the new facilities expected to open by Christmas 2026.

Community engagement event

Network Rail will host a public drop-in event for anyone wishing to learn more about the plans on Wednesday 19 November, between 3:00pm and 7:00pm, at St Mary’s Church, High Street, Tenby (SA70 8AP). Members of the project and contractor teams will be available to answer questions and discuss the planned improvements.

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Community

Local Legends project celebrates modern Wales — including story rooted in Milford

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Digital series voiced by Jonny Owen aims to reconnect communities with the Wales they recognise

A NEW digital storytelling project launched by Welsh broadband company Ogi is shining a spotlight on the real stories of modern Wales — including one rooted in Milford Haven — after new research revealed nearly half of people in Wales feel misrepresented on screen.

Broadcaster and filmmaker Jonny Owen has voiced the first chapter of “Local Legends”, a collection of short films capturing community spirit, humour and resilience across the nation. The series was developed in response to Ogi’s survey which found that forty-five per cent of people in Wales feel disconnected from how Welsh identity is portrayed in TV and film, with two-thirds saying the version of Wales they recognise is “invisible”.

Three stories chosen

Earlier this year, people across Wales were invited to submit their own real-life stories. From these, three tales have been selected and brought to life on film:

A Mountain Comeback – Cwmaman
The story of Mike from Cwmaman, who believed his hiking days were behind him after being diagnosed with MS. A community effort helped him achieve something he never expected — a remarkable ascent of Pen y Fan.

Teamwork on Tour – Rhymney
A chaotic rugby tour in the former Czechoslovakia turned into a triumph of pure teamwork after a mechanical problem with a bus forced the squad to improvise and pull together.

Lifting a Nation – Milford Haven
An inspiring incident from Milford Haven that sparked an unexpected journey of strength, determination and community pride — and went on to demonstrate Welsh grit on the world stage.

Owen said the aim of the project was simple: to show Wales as it is lived every day, not as it is often portrayed.
“These stories are funny, moving and completely real,” he said. “They show Wales today — communities coming together, people finding their place, and that brilliant mix of pride and humour we do so well.”

Reconnecting Wales with itself

Ogi says the project is part of its mission to reflect the communities it serves through its broadband rollout across Wales.

Sarah Vining, Brand Marketing Director at Ogi, said: “Local Legends shines a light on the everyday moments that make Wales extraordinary. It’s about connection — both online and off — and celebrating the voices that make this country what it is.”

The first films are now available to watch at ogi.wales/local-legends, and the public is being invited to submit further stories as the collection grows during 2025.

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Community

Flood alerts issued across West Wales with more severe weather on the way

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Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued 20 flood alerts across the country as forecasters warn that conditions are set to deteriorate heading into the weekend.

A 24-hour yellow weather warning for heavy and persistent rain has been issued by the Met Office, taking effect from 6am on Friday, 14 November, until 6am on Saturday, 15 November. The warning covers much of Wales, with South Wales expected to bear the brunt of the downpours, although disruption and flooding are also likely elsewhere.

NRW has warned that the wet weather could have a “significant impact” on parts of the country and is urging residents to remain alert and take action to protect themselves and their property.

Alun Attwood, Duty Tactical Manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “The yellow rain warning in place from the early hours of Friday and into Saturday could lead to significant impacts across Wales. With rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see flood alerts and warnings issued.

“We’re urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now. You can check if you live in an area at risk of flooding on our website and sign up for our free flood warning service.

“We do not provide flood warnings for flooding from surface water, so it’s important for everyone to know their flood risk.

“If there is flooding we want to make sure people are doing all they can to keep themselves safe. We want to remind people to keep away from swollen riverbanks and do not to drive or walk through flood waters as you don’t know what lies beneath.

“Keep an eye on weather forecasts and visit our website for the latest information on flood warnings, and find practical advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.”

At present, 20 flood alerts are in force across Wales, meaning flooding is possible in the following areas:

  • North Gwynedd catchment
  • River Rhyd Hir at Riverside Terrace, Pwllheli
  • Conwy catchment
  • North and west Pembrokeshire
  • Glaslyn and Dwyryd catchment
  • Western Cleddau
  • Lower Severn catchment in Powys
  • Rivers Bran and Gwydderig
  • Rivers Nant-Y-Fendrod and Nant Bran
  • River Ewenny and Vale of Glamorgan west
  • Vyrnwy catchment
  • River Ely
  • Lower Teifi
  • Lower Towy
  • Upper Towy
  • Rivers in Llanelli
  • Rivers Gwendraeths
  • South Pembrokeshire
  • Rivers Loughor and Amman
  • Rivers Taf and Cynin

Residents are being urged to monitor updates closely and to take extra care when travelling, particularly in areas prone to flooding.

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