### Major Rail Expansion: Five New Stations Planned Between Cardiff and Severn Tunnel to Ease M4 Congestion
A significant investment in the rail infrastructure of south-east Wales is set to take shape, with the forthcoming construction of five new railway stations designed to relieve persistent traffic issues along the M4 motorway corridor. This ambitious project, supported by an initial commitment of £300m from the UK Government as part of a larger £445m funding package, marks the latest attempt to curb car dependency and open up sustainable travel alternatives for thousands of commuters in the region.
The planned stations – Cardiff East, Newport West, Somerton, Llanwern, and Magor & Undy – are the centrepiece of a raft of recommendations delivered by the South East Wales Transport Commission. Previously, the commission, chaired by Lord Burns, was tasked with identifying viable alternatives to the now-scrapped M4 relief road. The five new stations, often referred to as the ‘Burns stations’, directly respond to that brief and reflect an evidence-based approach to determining the areas most in need of enhanced public transport connectivity.
In recent communications, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves reaffirmed the government’s financial backing for both these new stations and broader rail improvements across Wales. However, some uncertainty remains over precise figures and project allocations, as UK Treasury officials continue to clarify how the announced funding will be distributed and which schemes are prioritised.
Despite only three stations currently serving the route between Cardiff and the Severn Tunnel, demographic analysis by the commission identified multiple high-demand locations where local populations would benefit significantly from improved access. Lord Burns’ report, issued at the end of 2024, estimated that the overall timeline for delivering the five stations could stretch to five years, with anticipated costs around £385 million.
Each proposed station design is in the preliminary stage and subject to further development. Cardiff East – located off Rover Way – is expected to feature a pedestrian footbridge and easy drop-off zones, but no dedicated car parking in keeping with active travel principles. Meanwhile, the plans for Newport West suggest a multifaceted transport hub, with 250 parking spaces and integrated commercial space, accessible via the A48 and reserved lanes for buses.
Further along the line, Somerton station will cater to the communities of Beechwood and Lliswerry, with up to 50 planned parking spaces, plus a dedicated area for passenger drop-offs and bus links via Cromwell Road. Llanwern’s facility is perhaps the most ambitious on days of high demand, proposing 260 everyday parking spaces that can expand to accommodate up to 1,000 vehicles during major events, with step-free access assured.
Magor and Undy’s station plans include connections not just to the bus network but also integration with an existing subway system, enhancing accessibility for local residents. The primary entry point for vehicles will be via the B4245, ensuring seamless multi-modal transfers.
In terms of operations, the stations will be situated on relief lines adjacent to the main railway, where Network Rail will oversee upgrades enabling faster and more frequent passenger services. The introduction of accessible, low-floor trains, compatible with new 170m-long platforms, is expected to improve journey times and ease of use, particularly for those with mobility needs. While initial services will offer three or four-car trains, there’s potential to scale up capacity over time.
As these new stations come online, passengers can anticipate a rapid increase in both train frequency and peak-time carrying capacity, with timetabled services set to run at least twice an hour – possibly more. These efforts are designed not simply as substitutes for existing services but to supplement the Cardiff to Bristol corridor, adding more local stops without disrupting longer-distance routes.
Feedback from the public has also played a formative role, with a 13-week consultation held last year informing the ongoing refining of station designs. The investment breakdown projects a phased delivery schedule, with major spending increments planned from 2025 through to 2030. While the overall funding was initially estimated at £335m for the stations and £50m for required line upgrades, stakeholders acknowledge that final costs may shift as full business cases are completed.
Ultimately, these developments are seen as a vital step toward modernising Welsh transport, encouraging a major modal shift away from car journeys, and helping alleviate decades-old congestion problems along a key transport artery. As further details and timelines emerge in the coming months, both local residents and commuters across south-east Wales will be watching closely to see how this transformative scheme progresses.