Media centre

Friday 22 Mar 2019

Fascinating drone footage reveals extensive damage on Conwy Valley Line

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Drone footage released by Network Rail Wales and Borders shows the extensive damage caused by Storm Gareth on the Conwy Valley Line. The line, which runs between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestniog, will remain closed for a number of months.

Detailed inspections undertaken this week revealed that multiple sections of track, lineside equipment, embankments, bridges, level crossings and stations require significant repairs. Specialist engineers are now putting a detailed programme of work in place to restore the line as quickly and safely as possible for passengers.

Bill Kelly, route managing director for Network Rail, Wales and Borders, said: “We apologise to passengers and the local community who have been affected by the Conwy Valley Line closure following extensive damage caused by Storm Gareth.

"We are working closely with our partners, Transport for Wales, to keep passengers moving with rail replacement buses during the closure of the line.  We recognise the importance of the Conwy Valley Line to local people, businesses and communities. We will continue to work closely with the local Community Rail Partnership and other stakeholders and provide regular updates as the work progresses."

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO added: “We now understand the extent of the damage caused by Storm Gareth to the Conwy Valley Line and we will be working collaboratively with our partners in Network Rail to ensure we keep the people of Wales moving.

"We encourage our customers to regularly check for service updates and we will provide information as work on the line progresses.

"We apologise to those who have been affected by the closure. ”