Travel chaos has already begun as Taylor Swift fans flock to Cardiff for the singer’s Eras tour show tonight (Tues) – as one of south Wales’ main railway lines is facing widespread delays following an engineering fault.
Queues of dedicated “Swifties” have been lining up outside Cardiff’s Principality Stadium since before midnight for tonight’s show, with thousands more expected to travel to the Welsh capital throughout the day to see the global superstar on stage.
But with a number of roads around the city set to fully or partially close imminently for the day, and a major railway line currently blocked in both directions due to a breakdown of engineering equipment, Traffic Wales has urged fans to “allow extra time” for travel to the big event.
The Rhymney railway line at High Heath Level was blocked in both directions earlier this morning (Tues), causing widespread travel delays as engineers awaited a crucial part delivery.
The Transport for Wales advice website stated that affected routes include Rhymney, Bargoed, and Caerphilly – with disruption expected until 2pm, according to an update issued at 9.45am this morning, reports WalesOnline.
A spokesperson for the travel company said: “Due to a piece of engineering equipment breaking down overnight at heath High Level the Rhymney line is currently blocked in both directions.
“Staff on site are awaiting a part to be delivered so cancellations will continue into the morning, ticket acceptance with StageCoach has been agreed. We are continuing to try and source emergency road transport.”
It comes after an earlier update from Transport for Wales had warned: “We’re expecting services around Cardiff to be busy today.”
Meanwhile, Traffic Wales, which oversees travel on the major roads in Wales, has cautioned those travelling by car to tonight’s concert: “We expect delays on the network this afternoon, plan your journey and allow extra time. And remember to check before you travel.”
The alert comes just a week after drivers on the M4 travelling into Cardiff were caught up in a traffic jam that stretched 19 miles, as they tried to get into the city to see P!nk play at the same stadium where Taylor Swift will take to the stage tonight.
And two years ago, some fans even missed an Ed Sheeran concert altogether due to three-hour long traffic delays.
Drivers should take note that a number of roads will be fully or partially closed from midday until midnight on Tuesday, as fans arrive for the Eras tour show.
Full road closures will be implemented on: High Street, St Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street and Scott Road.
Meanwhile, partial road closures will affect Cowbridge Road East, from its junction with Cathedral Road to Westgate Street, and Castle Kingsway, from its junction with North Road to its junction with Duke Street, starting at 12 noon and lasting until midnight.
Tudor Street will also be shut from its junction with Clare Road to Wood Street – although access for residents and traders will be allowed via Fitzhammon Embankment.
Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street will be closed from their junctions with Despenser Place to Tudor Street – but, again, access for residents and traders will be permitted.
Station Terrace and Guildford Street, from the junction with Newport Road to Churchill Way, will only be accessible to buses during the times of the road closures. This is to ensure reliable access for buses to the satellite points in Churchill Way.
Penarth Road will also be closed 30 minutes before the concert ends, and up to an hour after it finishes, to ensure safety for train passengers arriving and departing from the station. And at 4pm, Castle Street and Duke Street will be closed to all traffic.
Event Park and Ride will be available at Cardiff City Stadium at Leckwith, which can be accessed from junction 33 off the M4, by following the signs to the site.
The designated drop-off point is at Fitzhammon Embankment. The Park and Ride, located 1.5 miles from the city centre, takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes to reach. The service costs £15, which must be paid in cash on the day.
The car park opens its gates at 8.45am, with the first bus setting off at 9am. The final bus departs from Fitzhammon Embankment at midnight, and the Park and Ride site shuts down at 00.30am the next morning.
You can keep up to date with all the latest Traffic Wales traffic alerts here.