The change in seasons poses some challenges to the railway network, with weather conditions often impacting services and infrastructure.

To help combat this issue, Transport for Wales and Network Rail are working together to ensure more services stay on time.

Network Rail will be working on vegetation management, which will see the standard removal of trees and vegetation which may impact the line.

They will also be removing any diseased trees, as these pose an additional danger, for example, ash trees with ash dieback are brittle and often result in branches falling without warning.

They will be using railhead treatment trains to maximise wheel grip.

In Holyhead, Transport for Wales is opening a wheel repairing facility this month, allowing a quicker repair process and ensuring a smoother journey.

They are also working on the Conwy Valley Line, which has seen £1.4 million invested to keep the line clear and trial the new Interflon Leaf Guard product, which is applied to the rails.

 “Safety is our always our priority and our teams work tirelessly across 1,500 miles of track to keep passengers and freight running.

As the impacts of climate change become more apparent, we’re working harder than ever to protect the railway against extreme conditions, such as using our specialist trains to keep the tracks clear and safe, as well as working closely with Transport for Wales to make sure the network is ready, whatever the seasons bring.”

Nick Millington, Wales and Borders Route Director