20.01.14
Cambrian line repairs could take months
Work to reopen the Cambrian Coast line has begun, but the most damaged section could take until May to be fully repaired.
The line suffered damage from storms and floods at a number of locations, including to embankments, loss of rail ballast to the sea, and debris over the tracks. Network Rail used a special helicopter to assess the damage via aerial surveys, as severe weather continued to disrupt staff’s ability to inspect the line.
A £10m strategy has now been developed for the phased re-opening of the line, with the stretch as far as Barmouth expected to be open by Monday 10 February. The section from Barmouth to Pwllheli could take much longer to repair, only re-opening fully by mid-May.
Mark Langman, route managing director for Network Rail Wales, said: “Network Rail fully understands the social and economic role that the Cambrian Coast line plays in the communities along it. The line connects villages, towns, schools and health centres, whilst also being important to the tourism industry in the region.
“This has been an extremely challenging period, but the rebuilding operation is underway and our priority is to safely re-open the railway as soon as is possible. I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the on-going inconvenience and also thank rail passengers for their patience as we repair this unprecedented damage.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]