Media centre

Friday 22 Nov 2019

Conwy Valley Line upgrade works

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Network Rail is reminding members public about upcoming work on the Conwy Valley Line to help futureproof the line and make it more reliable for passengers.

To deliver this upgrade safely, the line between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog, will be closed from 21:30 on Friday 22 November until 10:30 on Sunday 15 December.

Network Rail has worked in partnership with Transport for Wales to keep passengers moving during the closure and a bus replacement service will be in operation.

This work is the second phase of a major upgrade delivered this year and includes the installation of 600 rock bolts in the Ffestiniog Tunnel, the replacement of sleepers along the line and vegetation management. Work will also continue to replace the flood damaged platform at Dolgarrog station, which remains closed.

The line was initially closed in March, following extreme weather that washed out ballast and damaged infrastructure over a six-mile stretch. Work during this phase included the removal of 8,000 tonnes of wash out materials, the installation of additional culverts and over 7,500 tonnes of ‘rock armour’ to improve flood resilience. The line was reopened in time for the National Eisteddfod in August.

Bill Kelly, Network Rail’s route director for Wales and Borders, said:

“I would like to thank residents in advance for their understanding and patience as we continue our work to make the Conwy Valley Line more reliable for passengers.

We know this is a hugely important rail link for tourism and the local economy and this work will help future proof the line: reducing unplanned closures and disruption.”

Cllr Philip C Evans, Chair Conwy Valley Railway Partnership, added:

“The pre-planned closures are essential for the continued maintenance and resilience of the line, we thank Network Rail for their continued investment and commitment to keeping passengers moving.

“This is really good news which will be greatly welcomed by the partnership for the long-term investment for passengers using the line.”

James Price, chief executive of Transport for Wales, concluded:

“The upcoming work being undertaken by our partners Network Rail demonstrates the rail industry’s continuing commitment to the future of the Conwy Valley Line. I’d like to thank them for their ongoing hard work in developing new solutions to the challenges we face along the line.

“We’re continuing to work in collaboration with Network Rail to deliver the best possible service for our customers. This will include bus replacement services. While we appreciate there will be some short-term disruption, this work will ensure a more resilient service on the route for years to come.”