Media centre

Tuesday 16 Jun 2026

Major investment planned for North Wales railway to deliver more reliable services and improved accessibility

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Network Rail is planning a significant programme of investment across the North Wales Coast line, with extensive engineering works proposed between Chester and Holyhead in January 2027.

The programme, which is being developed as part of the wider Network North Wales investment, will help improve railway reliability, capacity and accessibility across the region while supporting growing demand for sustainable travel and stronger community connections.

Current plans include a continuous closure of the railway for up to four weeks in January 2027, allowing teams to deliver a wide range of improvements safely and efficiently.

The work is expected to include track renewals, drainage improvements, vegetation management and the installation of two new fully accessible footbridges at Prestatyn and Pensarn, providing safer ways for communities to cross the railway.

The investment builds on the successful introduction of the new North Wales timetable in May 2026, which delivered a 50 per cent increase in Transport for Wales services and represented the most significant timetable enhancement for North Wales in a generation.

Investing in the future of North Wales

The programme forms part of a wider package of improvements being delivered across North Wales, alongside new trains, new buses and fleet investment, helping create a better-connected transport network for residents, businesses and visitors.

By carrying out the work during a continuous closure, Network Rail can complete the programme more quickly, safely and efficiently than would be possible through multiple weekend and overnight railway possessions spread over a longer period.

This approach reduces the overall duration of disruption for passengers, lowers project costs and enables more improvements to be delivered for communities across North Wales.

January has been selected because it is traditionally a quieter period for tourism, with many holiday parks and attractions closed for the season, helping minimise the impact on passengers, local businesses and the wider economy.

Once completed, the investment will help improve railway reliability, support economic growth, enhance accessibility and create a more resilient railway for future generations.

Working with communities

Network Rail recognises the impact that any railway closure can have on passengers and communities and is committed to providing clear information and support throughout the programme.

Rail replacement services will operate during the closure and detailed travel information will be shared well in advance.

Network Rail has already begun engaging with local communities through a series of public drop-in events focused on the new accessible footbridges and will continue to work closely with Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, freight operators, local authorities, MPs, Members of the Senedd, businesses and community groups as plans develop.

Emma Osborn, Passenger Strategy Director for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: "This is one of the most significant upgrades to the North Wales Coast line in many years and reflects our commitment to delivering the railway that passengers, freight operators, businesses and communities have told us they want and need.

"We know any closure of the railway will cause temporary disruption and we do not take that lightly. However, growth and improvement require investment, and investment on this scale inevitably means carrying out major engineering work. While there will be some short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefits for passengers, freight and the wider North Wales economy will far outweigh that disruption.

"By delivering this work through a continuous programme, we can complete it more quickly, safely and efficiently than would otherwise be possible, reducing the overall impact compared with prolonged weekend and overnight closures.

"This investment is about future-proofing a railway that so many people rely on every day. It will help improve reliability, resilience and accessibility, support the enhanced services introduced this year and create a stronger railway that can support economic growth, tourism and better connectivity across North Wales for decades to come.

"We have listened carefully to the aspirations of passengers, freight customers and stakeholders as plans have developed, and this programme represents a major step towards delivering the modern, reliable railway that North Wales deserves."

Further details, including confirmed dates, travel arrangements and community engagement events, will be announced once the programme is finalised.