Improving connectivity between the city centre and the Bay, benefiting the wider city and region.

Cliciwch yma i weld y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg / Click here to view this page in Welsh

About the project

Cardiff Council is working with Transport for Wales (TfW) to deliver a new tramway from Cardiff Central to Cardiff Bay, as part of the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail. This will improve connectivity between the city centre and the Bay, benefiting the wider city and region.

GRAHAM has been identified as the principal contractor for these construction works.

The first phase of the scheme will be built between Cardiff Central train station and Cardiff Bay. This will make sure that Butetown is well connected to the city centre through the new tramway, giving better access to residents and visitors in the city. 

This phase of the scheme will deliver:

• A new two-platform station stop located in the southern car park of Cardiff Central railway station.
• A new tramway from the southern car park at Cardiff Central station, crossing through Callaghan Square to join the existing Cardiff Bay line.
• An additional third platform at Cardiff Bay railway station (in addition to the second platform)
• Improvements to public spaces on the route to connect neighbouring communities, places and attractions.
  
  

In the future, the Cardiff Crossrail will run from the northwest of the city, all the way to the east of the city connecting with the proposed Parkway railway station.

Latest Updates

Site clearance and enabling works will start in June 2026, and construction of the main phase of works will start in July 2026.

These changes will severely impact traffic flow, particularly during peak hours. Drivers should expect:

• Longer journey times
• Queueing and congestion throughout the area
• Delays that may be substantial at busy periods

Road users are strongly advised to:

• Avoid the Callaghan Square area if possible
• Use alternative routes
• Allow extra time for essential journeys
• Consider public transport, walking, or cycling for shorter trips

A section of Bute Street will be closed to vehicles from 7.30pm on 24^th July for approximately 6 weeks. 

During this time:

• Bute Street between Maria Street and North Church Street will be closed to traffic
• North Church Street will only be accessible from Callaghan Square
• Maria Street will only be accessible from the southern end of Bute Street
• Lane reductions in Callaghan Square remain in place
• Pedestrian access will be maintained

In addition, from 9pm on Friday 24^th July to 6am on Monday 27^th July there will be no vehicle access to North Church Street.

We will be holding a drop-in session for residents and local businesses to come and speak to the project team about the construction of the project. The next drop-in session is on Thursday 23rd July, 11am-3pm at Butetown Community Centre, Loudoun Square, Cardiff CF10 5UZ.

Register for regular updates

You can keep up to date on what’s happening by registering for email updates from GRAHAM here.

Considerate Constructors Scheme

Here to help

Should you have any questions or queries and wish to speak to a member of the team email;

Harry Knapp, Stakeholder & Engagement Officer

Email: civilscustomerrelations@graham.co.uk