Media centre

Tuesday 28 Feb 2017

Further investigation reveals the full extent of damage to the Conwy Valley line caused by Storm Doris

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

The Conwy Valley line will remain closed until further notice, following investigations which revealed the full extent of the damage caused by a tree falling on the line during Storm Doris last week.

The line has remained closed since Thursday 23 February, when a tree fell on the line and disturbed lineside vegetation on the rock face next to the railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog. An aerial assessment of the rock face took place on Monday and essential repair work is now underway.

Chris Howchin, route programme manager for Network Rail Wales, said:

“We’re working hard to repair the rock face and get the line reopened as soon as it is safe to do so. The safety of passengers and our workforce is our number one priority. Due to the challenging weather conditions following Storm Doris, we made the decision that it would be unsafe to access the site until a full assessment of the rock face had taken place.

“The aerial investigation allowed us to assess the affected area safely, and we are now carrying out de-vegetation work on the rock face. Once this has been completed we will carry out a more detailed evaluation of the site and put an extensive repair programme in place.

“We are working closely with our partners, Arriva Trains Wales, to keep passengers moving during the closure of the line, and a rail replacement bus service will be in operation until it reopens. We will continue to keep passengers and the local community informed while this essential repair work is completed.”

Arriva Trains Wales are operating a rail replacement bus service between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog whilst the repair work takes place. Passengers are reminded to check before they travel at: https://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/