GRAHAM has been awarded the contract to design and build the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail project. This significant milestone marks the beginning of an ambitious plan to transform Cardiff’s transport infrastructure.

Under an early contractor involvement (ECI) deal, GRAHAM will collaborate closely with Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales during the initial stages of the project. This partnership aims to effectively manage design costs and streamline the construction process.

Phase 1 involves the design and construction of a new tramway between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay. The route will pass through Callaghan Square and run alongside the existing Cardiff Bay Line. Works will include a new two-platform station stop at Cardiff Central Station and an additional third platform at Cardiff Bay station. There will be significant highway modifications and improvements to public space.

The Welsh and UK Governments have each committed £50 million to support the initial phase of the tram project, which will connect Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay. Earlier this year, Cardiff Council appointed consultants WSP and Rider Levett Bucknall to provide programme and cost management services for the project.

Andrew Henry, GRAHAM Contracts Director said, “We are delighted to be part of such a transformative project for Cardiff. The tram system that will significantly enhance connectivity and support sustainable urban development.

“The team will be working to minimise impact to the public and road users, especially around Callaghan Square, as we integrate the tramline and associated systems with the highway. We look forward to collaborating with Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales to bring this vision to fruition”.

A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “It is great news that we have had the funding confirmed from both the UK and Welsh Government. This means that the detailed work can now begin, with the detailed design set to be complete by Autumn 2025 and work on the ground due to start at the end of next year.

“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. Under the current programme of works, the construction could be complete by early 2028, with trams running on the track from later that year.

“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.”

The detailed design phase is set to be completed by Autumn 2025, with construction work commencing at the end of next year. Under the current programme, construction is expected to be completed by early 2028, with trams operational later that year.

The Cardiff Crossrail project is a key component of Cardiff’s new tram transport system, which will eventually extend from the northwest to the east of the city, connecting with the proposed Parkway Station.