Media centre

Wednesday 19 Jan 2005

CONWY VALLEY LINE REPAIR WORKS UNDERWAY

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Repair works to the Conwy Valley line started this week after the line was closed between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog on 7 January when heavy storms hit the region. Having undertaken an extensive engineering inspection, Network Rail is pleased that the damage was limited as a result of last year’s successful reconstruction works. Andrew Skidmore, Network Rail’s Area General Manager, said: “We cannot completely stop the flood waters, but the work that was undertaken last year to reconstruct the line has proved its worth as the damage is not as bad as last year.” Following some of the worst flooding in over 40 years in February 2004, thousands of tonnes of ballast was washed away, track was left suspended in the air and two miles of embankment was completely lost.  It took almost four months and nearly £5 million for Network Rail to put the line back to working order. This time, ballast was lost at Tal-y-Cafn and Glan-Conwy, and divers were sent down to check the foundations of bridges at Llanwrst and Betws-y-Coed.  Some of the switches and crossings equipment will also need repairing having been submerged in water for some time. Andrew continued: “Completion of the works very much depends on the elements.  We estimate that the repair works will take approximately six weeks.” Arriva Trains Wales will be operating replacement buses between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog until the line re-opens.