Work is under way on a £7.1m new and a longer platform four at Swansea Station, allowing it to handle trains to and from London.
The platform will be 260 metres long, some 13 metres longer than the original and removed structure.
It will allow train operator Great Western Railway’s (GWR) intercity express trains to arrive and depart from it.
To make way for the new platform contractors Alun Griffiths removed 2,400 tonnes of demolition waste from the site.
The cost of the new platform is being financed by Network Rail.
The transport body of the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, is also working to upgrade customer facilities at the train station, including improved ticket-buying facilities and refurbished space for use by local businesses and community groups..
In 2017 the Ƶ Government announced the decision to abandoned plans to electrify the South Wales Main Line from Cardiff to Swansea. This meant GWR having to commission biomode trains on the route to London, which have to switch from electric mode to diesel between the two cities in South Wales.
Kevin Collins, project director for Wales at Network Rail, who owns the station asset, said: “This new platform is a key part of the plans to modernise Swansea Station, as it will be able to accommodate longer trains, with increased capacity and better facilities for passengers. I would like to thank the local community for their understanding during this period of disruption and look forward to it opening in May”
David Bailey, GWR’s customer service manager for South Wales, said:“The work to extend platform 4 will provide additional access, especially for our Intercity Express Trains between Swansea and London Paddington.
"It will increase the number of platforms available and boost the operational capacity of this important station for all train services. This platform extension coupled with the station improvements that are also planned will ensure an even better customer experience.”
Hinatea Fonteneau, head of station projects at Transport for Wales, said: "Improving stations and its services is a joint effort between all stakeholders involved and I’m delighted to see how these united forces come to visible fruition through close collaboration between Network Rail and Transport for Wales. The continuous communication between us all enable a safe management of our works, for an enhanced offer to our customers and communities.”
