Date: 25/06/2018

Plans for a £100m rail testing complex to work on next generation train technology have been revealed in south Wales. It is at an early stage but it could be built on the site of a mothballed opencast mine in Neath Port Talbot. Transport Secretary Ken Skates said he wants Wales to become a 'major hub' for the UK and European rail industry. It comes after KeolisAmey won the deal to run Wales and Border rail services and to develop the South Wales Metro. The complex would allow trains to be tested on special tracks - laid out on 4.5 mile (7.3km) and two mile (3.1km) ovals - at speeds of up to 100mph (160kph). In a short announcement, the Welsh Government said it would also offer a bespoke innovation accelerator. The preferred site is the inactive open cast mine in Nant Helen and the nearby operational coal-washery site in Onllwyn.

External links

£100m rail test complex plans revealed

BBC News

The complex would test new generation trains at high speeds on the site of an old opencast mine.