Media centre

Monday 26 Jan 2026

Passengers urged to check before travelling ahead of major track renewal work between Pwllheli and Dovey Junction

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Buses will replace trains between Saturday 14 and Sunday 22 February while Network Rail carries out essential upgrades to help keep the railway safe and reliable for the future.

As part of ongoing investment on the Cambrian Coast Line, engineers will install new track between Pwllheli and Dovey Junction during this period. Teams will work continuously to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible.

Track renewal involves replacing key components of the railway, including rails, sleepers, switches and crossings, and sets of points. These are critical to ensuring trains can run safely and reliably and help reduce future disruption caused by faults or speed restrictions.

Alongside the track renewal, engineers will also carry out vital maintenance on the railway and level crossings along the route, as well as inspections of bridges, helping to ensure the long-term safety and resilience of the railway.

Train service alterations

During the closure, rail replacement buses will operate between Machynlleth and Pwllheli from Saturday 14 February until the line reopens on Monday 23 February.

Trains will continue to run as normal between Birmingham International Airport/Machynlleth and Aberystwyth.

Passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow extra time for journeys. The latest travel information is available at: https://tfw.wales/plan-a-journey

Road closures at level crossings

For safety reasons, temporary road closures will also be required at the following level crossings while work takes place:

Llwyn Cadwgan level crossing - Station Road
Saturday 14 February: 6pm – 6am (Sunday 15 February)
Tuesday 17 February – Friday 20 February: 7pm – 7am (each evening)
Friday 20 February – Saturday 21 February: 8pm – 8am

Bennar Fawr level crossing - Ffordd Isaf
Sunday 15 February – Monday 16 February: 11pm – 11am
Tuesday 17 February – Friday 20 February: 7pm – 7am (each evening)
Friday 20 February – Saturday 21 February: 8pm – 8am

Mark Dix, Lead Portfolio Manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders said, “This work is part of our ongoing investment to keep the Cambrian Coast Line safe and reliable for the people who depend on it. By renewing the track between Pwllheli and Dovey Junction, and carrying out essential maintenance on our level crossings and bridges at the same time, we can make the most of the closure and reduce the need for further disruption in the future.

“We know this will impact journeys while the line is closed, and we apologise for the inconvenience. We’re asking passengers to check before they travel and allow extra time, and we’d like to thank local communities and road users for their patience while our teams complete this important work as quickly and safely as possible.”