The Welsh Government has submitted plans to build a £150m rail testing complex at the site of a former open-cast coal mine in Powys.

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The Global Centre of Rail Excellence, which is due to be completed in 2025, will allow for rolling stock and trains to be trialled on a 6.9km circular track which can accommodate speeds of up to 110mph. There would also be a 4.5km loop to test slower trains (up to 40mph).

The proposals for the 1000-hectare plot at the head of the Dulais and Tawe Valleys will also include:

  • Research, development, education and training/conference centre 
  • An operations and control centre/office 
  • Staff facilities
  • Rolling stock storage/sidings
  • Rolling stock maintenance facility 
  • 25kv overhead line equipment (OLE) infrastructure

The Welsh government has entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with Neath Port Talbot and Powys Councils while the UK government indicated its support for the project in last month’s budget.

Planning approval is expected this summer and the first phase is expected to be operational in 2023 (smaller loop) with the whole facility, working 24 hours per day, two years later.

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