Rail disruption hits Pembrokeshire as urgent safety repairs close line to Pembroke Dock

Train services between Pembroke and Pembroke Dock have been suspended for ten days following the discovery of a track defect, with Network Rail now working to carry out urgent repairs. The closure, which will last until midnight on Wednesday, July 31, affects the final stretch of the Carmarthen to Pembroke Dock line.

While Transport for Wales (TfW) operates the trains along the line, it is Network Rail that maintains the infrastructure—and they are responsible for addressing the fault. TfW has arranged replacement buses via Francis Mini Travel to bridge the gap, but passengers should expect altered schedules and potential delays.

A statement from TfW noted: “We have been made aware of a track defect between Pembroke and Pembroke Dock. For safety reasons, train services are unable to run through the area.”

Trains departing Pembroke for Carmarthen will hold for incoming passengers, and road transport calling points are posted at stations and available online.

Political reaction: Concerns over tourism, freight, and future maintenance

The Welsh Conservatives have voiced concern that the disruption could hit tourism and local business hard during peak season.

Sam Rowlands MS, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport & Infrastructure, said: “It will come as a disappointment to the commuters and passengers who use this service regularly and TfW must do all they can to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.” “The people of Pembrokeshire rely on this line, not just for commuting, but for tourism and local business and this incident has the potential to severely impact the area.” “While the bus replacement is welcome, it is the bare minimum. Transport for Wales must investigate how this situation has arisen and what they will do to ensure vital connections are properly maintained in future.”

South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz added: “While safety is paramount, there will be frustration felt locally and disruption must be kept to a minimum.” “This is a key line into the port town of Pembroke Dock and the onward sailings to Rosslare, so the replacement bus service is welcome.” “Having worked alongside the South Pembrokeshire Rail Action Group to lobby for improvements to services in South Pembrokeshire, this urgent safety work must act as a catalyst to ensure the return of an hourly service as a minimum.”

Engineering works reshape South Wales infrastructure

Separately, Network Rail has launched a major upgrade programme across South Wales rail corridors, scheduled between Saturday 2 August and Monday 11 August. This includes several critical sections of the Swansea District Line, a route that typically carries freight traffic alongside a small number of daytime passenger services.

The line forms part of the proposed Swansea Metro, a regional transport vision aimed at enhancing connectivity, accessibility, and modal integration across southwest Wales. Upgrades here support the groundwork for future service expansion and strategic mobility.

Planned works include:

• Between Dynevor Junction and Morlais Junction: Track renewals and maintenance to improve freight movement and safeguard occasional services like the Fishguard boat train.
• Jersey Marine to Hendy: Drainage enhancements and railbed stabilisation designed to reduce weather-related vulnerability and service delays.
• Penllergaer Tunnel to Grovesend, and the Llangyfelach Tunnel area: Full-scale rail and drainage works will strengthen infrastructure and mitigate long-term service interruptions.

Though the Swansea District Line currently sees just two to three scheduled passenger services daily (Monday–Saturday), improvements signal growing recognition of its value—not only in freight but as a strategic corridor in Wales’ future rail ambitions.

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