![]() The line is also one of the last major inter-city routes in Great Britain to remain un-electrified, although there are plans to electrify the line by 2018 to allow the new Hitachi Super Express Electro-Diesel and Electric Multiple Units (Class 800 and 801) to replace ageing HST units on London to Cardiff services. ![]() Freight remains a key part of the route, be it imported coal or steel works movements. Today, the line is operated by Arriva Trains Wales and also sees First Great Western services originating from London Paddington into Cardiff, and beyond. The SWML is also credited with a major role in the expansion of Fishguard Docks, the Great Western Railway’s main connection to the USA. Connection to various docks on both sides of the Severn meant there were always heavy coal trains running to Portishead Docks from around the south of Wales. With the Welsh coal mines running at their peak, the line became an important trunk for freight traffic, which is still the case today. Construction of the four-mile Severn Tunnel began in 1873, and by 1886 it became the fastest route between the two countries, making the ‘Great Way Round’ only a backup way of crossing the Severn, for example when the tunnel was closed. The line was opened in two stages - the first exclusively in Wales, running from Swansea to Chepstow in 1850 the second section was in England, branching off from Royal Wootton Bassett towards Patchway in 1903.Ĭrossing the River Severn was always an engineering challenge, with trains initially heading north from Swindon to traverse into Wales, joining the South Wales Main Line at Chepstow. ![]() The South Wales Main Line branches off from the Great Western Main Line to allow a direct connection between London and the South of Wales. ![]() ![]() Directly connecting England and Wales, running underneath the longest river in the United Kingdom, the South Wales Main Line is one of the most important cross border routes in the country, as featured in the beautiful new South Wales Coastal route for Train Simulator. ![]()
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