Starting Monday 12th September, buses will be replacing trains between Machynlleth and Pwllheli for 5 weeks. This is to allow for essential upgrades to be safely carried out on the viaduct in Barmouth.
Those wanting to travel on the Cambrian Line between Machynlleth and Pwllheli in September and October are being urged to plan ahead by Network Rail.
From 8pm on Sunday 11th September until 5am on Saturday 15th October the bridge will be closed whil the final stages of the refurbishment of the viaduct goes underway.
The railway will reopen for 4 weeks including half term and will then re-close from 8pm on Sunday 13th November until Saturday 10th December.
The work to the metallic element was originally meant to take place this autumn but is now taking place over the course of two years to help reduce the impact on rail services.
Dates of closure for work in 2023 are still being finalised and will be released upon decision.
Alongside upgrading the metallic elements, new track will be laid with additional repairs to strengthen the north abutments and further upgrades to the timber.
For the first 5 weeks, the footpath across the viaduct will be open but will close in November for safety.
Whilst the line is closed, other upgrades will also go underway, such as new track at Felga Fach and Pwllheli Station.
Nick Millington, interim route director for Network Rail Wales and the Borders said: “We've carefully planned our work to avoid the busy summer season when tourism in Barmouth and the local area is at its height. We've also decided to take two shorter closures of the line this autumn, which means we can reopen the railway for the school half term and the Christmas period. We are grateful to passengers and the local community for their patience and support while we carry out this essential work.”
The road diversion will be long and tortuous, alas!