[7] The Ebbw Vale extension opened in 1867,[8] followed by an extension to the west by the Brynmawr and Blaenavon Railway which constructed a 4 miles 6 furlongs (7.6 km) line to Blaenavon which opened to goods traffic on 1 November 1869 and to passengers on 1 January 1870.

[13] The link created the third route from Newport to Brynmawr, it also being possible to travel via Blaenavon or Nantybwch and the Sirhowy Railway.

[13] Brynmawr station was located to the south of the main town centre on an east–west embankment.

[14] It has been described as "having something of a Wild West air" due to its lofty location on the edge of town and the wooden buildings which could be very draughty given that Brynmawr is nearly 1,200 feet (370 m) above sea level.

[15][16] To the north of the station was St Mary's Roman Catholic Chapel and School, while to the west was the Holy Trinity Church.

[12] The station, which had its entrance on the southside,[18] had seven platforms were provided which were a mixture of stone-faced and timber construction.