Media centre

Monday 23 Dec 2013

Changes to rail services at Pont Briwet

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

The railway line between Harlech and Pwllheli will remain closed until the new bridge over the River Dwyryd opens in Spring 2014

Detailed examinations have now established that piling work in the river bed for the new crossing is significantly affecting the structural capability of Pont Briwet viaduct, making it impractical to run trains during the remainder of the construction works.

Mark Langman, route managing director for Wales said: "We fully understand the inconvenience this will cause and we apologise for this. However, the safe operation of the railway is our absolute priority. Following the examinations, we found that the only option to complete the new bridge was to keep the railway line closed until the new structure is in place. We will work closely with Gwynedd Council and its contractor so that the new bridge can be completed as soon as possible so that rail services can resume".

The original Pont Briwet crossing is a wooden viaduct that was built in the 1860s. The new bridge will provide modern infrastructure that will be capable of carrying heavier trains at a faster speed, as well as delivering a new road crossing.

Until the new bridge is opened, Arriva Trains Wales will be running an amended timetable. All (northbound) services from Machynlleth will now terminate at Harlech. Coaches and minibuses will also take people on to stations towards Penrhyndeudraeth, Porthmadog, Criccieth and Pwllheli. Road transport will also be available to take passengers from these stations to connect with southbound trains that will start from Harlech. Passengers are advised to check with National Rail Enquiries or Arriva Trains Wales for the detailed, up to date information.

The line has been closed since the first week of November after monitoring equipment detected movement to Pont Briwet viaduct during adjacent construction works for the replacement bridge. The bridge was scheduled to remain open whilst the new bridge was constructed immediately alongside it.

The construction of the new bridge is being led by Gwynedd County Council with the construction contract awarded to Hochtief (UK). The scheme is jointly funded by Gwynedd County Council, Network Rail and the Welsh European Development Office.