 On 1 March 1855 a contract was let for the work, and the line was opened ceremonially to Llandilo on 20 January 1857, and to the public on 24 January.A local newspaper reported that it was now possible to look forward to the day when Llandilo would be connected by rail with ports in the north of England.The connection to the north of England was to be facilitated by the independent Vale of Towy Railway.