Del1977
Member
Some thoughts to the Institute of Welsh Affairs from Mark Barry on the future direction of the metro, including frequencies, extensions around the Bay, and cross-Valley links using old alignments
http://www.iwa.wales/click/2018/06/making-metro-really-work-valleys-cardiff/
While I can see the long term benefits of a central Valley rail link, the cost must surely be prohibitive? With the exception of Ystrad Mynach to Nelson, there's no track remaining, so it would all have to be new build, or roads dug up to lay tram rails. What would such a project cost?
A cheaper option to link in towns not currently served by rail, would surely be to link in Treharris/Nelson to the rail network by using the existing link at Ystrad Mynach using the freight-only Dowlais line.
As for Blackwood, perhaps a cheaper option could be to restore the link over the Hengoed viaduct and build a Blackwood "Parkway" adjacent to the A472 at the Southern end.
That would add two spurs from the current Rhymney line granting accessibility to Cardiff.