Work is now underway on the multi-million pound upgrade to transform the Ebbw Vale line between Newport and Ebbw Vale.
The £70m investment includes laying new track which will help bring a new hourly service between Ebbw Vale Town and Newport.
New platforms will also be installed at Llanhilleth and Newbridge and will see the stations become fully accessible.
The project is funded by Blaenau Gwent Council and is supported by a loan from the Welsh Government.
A £17m signalling upgrade funded by Network Rail via the Department for Transport will also take place on the southern end of the line.
This will see a state-of-the-art signalling system installed which will be controlled from the Wales Route Operating Centre in Cardiff.
Bill Kelly, Wales and Borders Route Director at Network Rail spoke on the opportunities the work will bring.
Mr Kelly said: “We’re delighted this work is now beginning on the Ebbw Vale line to enable more trains to run in the future.
“A more frequent service will mean passengers between Ebbw Vale Town and Crosskeys will be able to access more jobs, training, and leisure opportunities.
“We know that there will be some disruption for local communities and passengers.
“We’re grateful for their support and patience as we deliver this important upgrade.”
Engineers have already begun working on the project by managing the vegetation along the line.
James Price, Transport for Wales (TfW) Chief Executive commented on the benefits the upgrades will bring.
Mr Price said: “This substantial investment from the Welsh Government will bring significant benefits for people living in Ebbw Vale and the surrounding communities.
“TfW will be able to run additional services, and more frequent services, when the work is complete.
“[The work forms] part of our wider programme to transform the Wales and Borders network.
“While the work is taking place we advise passengers to check our new website, our recently-updated app or the TfW social media channels for the latest travel information.”
Network Rail is working to set up site compounds at numerous locations alongside the railway which will be used to access the track.
It is expected that the project will take around 18 months to complete with materials currently being dropped off ahead of the main work beginning in April.
