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Tuesday 22 Feb 2022

Walkway across iconic Barmouth Viaduct opened in time for half term

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Walkers, cyclists and tourists are now able to travel across the scenic Barmouth Viaduct as it reopened last Friday evening (18 February) following vital safety upgrades.

Engineers have been working around the clock since 10 January to repair and replace elements of the walkway and handrailing of the Grade II* listed structure.

Network Rail is carrying out the biggest restoration of the viaduct in its history with phase two of three completed in December 2021. Our £30m upgrade will protect the well-loved bridge for generations and maintain its magnificent appearance.

The footpath reopened on Friday 18 February, marking the start of February half term, which is expected to be a busy time for the North Wales seaside resort of Barmouth.

Gareth Yates, project manager at Network Rail said: “I’d like to thank the local community for bearing with us over the past few weeks as we carried out the repairs to the walkway.

“We recognise the huge importance of Barmouth Viaduct to the local economy and were pleased to be able to reopen the walkway in time for half term so that pedestrians and cyclists - from both the local community and those on holiday - can enjoy travelling across this magnificent structure once again.”

Due to storms Dudley and Eunice that battered Wales last week, some minor work had to be postponed. The walkway is set to close temporarily again overnight in the coming weeks for a series of short closures so that all outstanding work can be completed.