£1.85m restoration for railway viaduct between Porthmadog and Minffordd

Network Rail has announced that restoration work on the Traeth Mawr Viaduct begun on Saturday 13th February.

As part of a multi-million project to upgrade the Cambrian Line, Network Rail has chosen Traeth Mawr to help improve the overall line.

The work will take place over a nine-day closure of the railway.

Work will include the replacement of wooden timbers, which Network Rail says is the main priority.

Rail replacement bus services will be organised by Transport of Wales, with passengers recommended to plan ahead.

A number of projects are taking place on the Cambrian Line, including the £25m restoration of Barmouth Viaduct, with the first phase at Barmouth now complete.

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Traeth Mawr Viaduct is found next to the Porthmadog Bypass and takes the railway over the Afon Glaslyn.

More work is planned for Traeth Mawr, with Network Rail expecting to return in 2022 or 2023.

Route Director for Network Rail Wales and Borders Bill Kelly said: “2021 is an exciting year for investment in the Cambrian Line. We will shortly begin refurbishing Traeth Mawr Viaduct, which connects Porthmadog and Minffordd.

“Our £1.85m project to replace timber elements on the viaduct will allow us to continue providing a safe, reliable and resilient railway for many years to come.

“This project can help to prevent future periods of unplanned work, minimising disruption for passengers and reducing maintenance costs to the taxpayer.”

Transport for Wales CEO James Price said: “It’s great to see Network Rail continuing to make progress in restoring historic structures on the Cambrian Coast Line and safeguarding its future, following Network Rail’s ongoing work to restore Barmouth Bridge. This investment sits alongside our own investment in transforming services throughout the Wales and Borders network, including brand new trains for the Cambrian Coast Line in the years to come.

“We’re working collaboratively to ensure minimal disruption for our passengers making essential journeys while work is taking place. As our services will be affected, it’s important for anyone travelling on the Cambrian Line to check before you travel. You can do this on the TfW Rail website www.tfwrail.wales or the TfW app.”

Chair of the Cambrian Coast railway forum Gwynedd Councillor Eryl Jones-William said: “The Cambrian Line is one of the most beautiful routes in the country, as well as being an important transport link for our communities and I welcome the investment in the railway. When the time comes for people to travel again, the Cambrian Line will continue to be vitally important for the economy, tourists and local people.”

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