Abandoned Rail Routes: Tondu Junction and the Lost Port Talbot Line

Tondu developed as an important railway junction within the former Duffryn Llynvi & Porthcawl and Llynvi & Ogmore network. At its peak, it served as the convergence point for several branch lines—including routes to Maesteg, Bridgend, Porthcawl, Ogmore, Garw, and Port Talbot—and was home to extensive workshops and a locomotive shed.
The Port Talbot Railway & Docks route, branches off from Tondu and heads south-west toward Margam and Port Talbot Docks. Historically, this line carried both passenger and freight traffic, providing critical links between local collieries and the docks.
Although it has not been used regularly for some time, the route remains, albeit in a mothballed state.
A notable moment in its more recent history was captured in July 2000, when the Class 58 Farewell railtour from Worksop travelled over various goods lines around Swansea before traversing this branch and continuing via the Maesteg to Bridgend route.
Today, Tondu still retains some of its historic charm, with its semaphore signals, former signal box, and surviving passing loop. Though the layout is greatly reduced compared to its heyday, manual control is still present in parts—one of the reasons railway enthusiasts continue to visit to experience the now rare lower-quadrant semaphore signalling.