Graham Group has been awarded the Detail Design and Build contract for the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail project, valued at £100 million.
The contractor was appointed under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract, allowing stakeholders to manage design costs and how the project will be built.
The project has been divided into two delivery phases:
Phase 1a) Cardiff Central to Cardiff Bay Station (fully funded) – Redevelopment of the highway network around Callaghan Square, so the tram/train can connect to the existing Cardiff Bay line, as well as a new tram/train platform at Cardiff Central.
To ensure the tram interconnects with walking and cycling routes, there will be new public realm in front of Callaghan Square, a segregated cycleway to connect Cardiff Central with Callaghan Square linking with the wider strategic network, and changes to the access arrangements for general traffic through Bute Terrace and Lower St Mary Street.
Phase 1b) Cardiff Bay Station to Pierhead Street (currently unfunded) – Re-modelling of the highway network around the Flourish and Pierhead Street to allow for a new tram track extension to be built.
This phase also includes improving facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, with new crossings and a segregated cycleway to better connect Roald Dahl Plass with the new indoor arena development.
Cardiff Crossrail is a plan to deliver Cardiff’s new tram transport system, running from the northwest to the east of the city, connecting with the proposed Parkway Station.
The Welsh Government and the UK Government have each confirmed a £50 million financial contribution for the Cardiff Crossrail project – £100 million total.
The detailed design work is set to be completed by Autumn 2025, with work on the ground due to start at the end of next year.
Under the current programme of works, construction could be complete by early 2028, with trams running on the track from later that year.
A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “During the contract, the council and TfW will be working closely with the Graham Group to secure the best possible social value for the contract, by creating jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities for local people.
“The Cardiff Crossrail is an ambitious plan to deliver Cardiff’s new tram transport system which will eventually run from the northwest of the city, all the way to the east of the city connecting with the proposed Parkway Station.
“Following further funding opportunities, we intend to provide a cross-city tram service that is affordable and reliable for the public to use, and to connect some of Cardiff’s poorest communities to the rail network for the first time.
“To start this process, the first phase of the scheme must be built between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay.
“This will finally ensure that Butetown is properly connected to the city centre, via Cardiff Central, providing further capacity for residents and visitors to access the wide range of attractions that Cardiff has to offer.”
Was this interesting? Try: Unnamed global investor to take stake in JRL Group
If you have a tip or story idea that fits with our publication, please contact the news editor rory@wavenews.co.uk
Get industry news in 5 minutes!
A daily email that makes industry news enjoyable. It’s completely free.