Part Of Cambrian Coast Line to Close for Nine Days for Major Track Renewal

Train services on part of the Cambrian Coast Line will be suspended for more than a week in February while Network Rail carries out a programme of essential engineering work.

Buses will replace trains between Saturday 14 February and Sunday 22 February as engineers undertake major upgrades designed to improve the long-term safety and reliability of the route. The work forms part of continued investment on the line and will focus on renewing sections of track between Pwllheli and Dovey Junction.

During the closure, teams will be working around the clock to install new rails, sleepers, switches and crossings, as well as sets of points. These components are critical to the safe operation of the railway and are being replaced to reduce the likelihood of future faults, speed restrictions and unplanned disruption.

Engineers will also use the opportunity to carry out wider maintenance along the route, including work on level crossings and detailed inspections of bridges. Network Rail said completing multiple tasks during a single closure will help limit the need for further disruption at a later date and improve the resilience of the infrastructure.

Rail replacement buses will operate between Machynlleth and Pwllheli from Saturday 14 February until the line reopens on Monday 23 February. Train services between Birmingham International Airport or Machynlleth and Aberystwyth will continue to run as normal. Passengers are being advised to plan ahead, check journey information before travelling and allow extra time.

For safety reasons, temporary overnight road closures will also be required at several level crossings while the work is carried out. At Llwyn Cadwgan level crossing on Station Road, closures are scheduled for Saturday 14 February from 6pm to 6am, Tuesday 17 February to Friday 20 February from 7pm to 7am each night, and from 8pm on Friday 20 February to 8am on Saturday 21 February. Bennar Fawr level crossing on Ffordd Isaf will close from 11pm on Sunday 15 February to 11am on Monday 16 February, nightly from 7pm to 7am between Tuesday 17 and Friday 20 February, and again from 8pm on Friday 20 February to 8am on Saturday 21 February.

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.”

Image: Network Rail