The five new rail stations planned for Wales to ease M4 congestion

FIVE new railway stations, which it is hoped will ease congestion on the M4, were among the things the UK Government said will fund as part of a £445m investment rail programme in Wales.

- RUTH MOSALSKI

The stations, between Cardiff and the Severn Tunnel, were first suggested as part of a package proposed by Lord Burns, who was tasked with coming up with alternatives to the now-abandoned M4 relief road.

The South East Wales Transport Commission made 58 recommendations to make it easier for people to travel without their cars - and in turn ease car use on the M4 - which included five new stations colloquially referred to as the Burns stations.

In her statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed £300m to build the Burns stations, but also other improvements.

We asked both the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales (TfW) for any updates given the spending review rail announcement. There are also outstanding questions about the figures we've been given and exactly what will be spent on what.

In terms of the Burns stations, train lines and any timeline for works to begin, here is what we know so far:

The stations

Currently there are only three stations between Cardiff and the Severn Tunnel, but the proposal is for new stations to be built at Cardiff East (Newport Road), Newport West, Somerton and Llanwern, as well as Magor and Undy.

Those were identified by Lord Burns as being places where there is demand based on where people live, visit and work.

The most recent report looking at changes to rail in south Wales, published at the end of 2024, said they would require five years of construction and cost a total of £385m.

Each station in detail

The designs of each are preliminary, and Transport for Wales (TfW) say they could yet change.

Cardiff East: This, formerly known as Newport Road, would have a footbridge and dedicated drop-off and pick-up area.