Rail passengers travelling between mid‑Wales and the Borders are being urged to plan ahead this May as Network Rail carries out a significant programme of essential engineering works across the Cambrian line and surrounding routes.
Infrastructure upgrades will take place on the Cambrian line between Shrewsbury, Aberystwyth and Machynlleth from Friday 8 May to Friday 22 May, with additional disruption affecting services between Llandrindod, Hereford and Shrewsbury on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May.
The work forms a key part of preparations for the introduction of Class 197 trains on the Cambrian line later this year, supporting improved performance, comfort and long‑term reliability for passengers and freight operators alike.
Despite the scale of the programme, Network Rail says the works have been carefully planned to limit disruption, with the railway scheduled to fully reopen in time for the May half‑term.
What the engineering programme includes
The two‑week programme will see teams delivering a wide range of upgrades and maintenance activities, including:
- Track renewal at Montgomery
- Level crossing renewals at Llanidloes Road, Caersws and Llanbadarn Fawr
- Bridge refurbishment work in Shrewsbury
- Land and drainage improvements near Dol‑y‑Bont, Fronfraith and Llanbadarn
- General maintenance and vegetation management across multiple locations
Gwyn Rees, Programme Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said:
“We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out these important improvements.”
Rail replacement services and passenger advice
During the closures, Transport for Wales (TfW) will operate rail replacement bus services, including dedicated services for local schools and colleges along the affected routes, to maintain connectivity for communities.
Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales, said:
“We know this will be a disruptive period for customers travelling across mid‑Wales and the borders, and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience while these essential improvements are carried out.
“With different sections of the railway closed on different days between 8 and 22 May, it’s really important that customers travelling between Aberystwyth, Pwllheli, Shrewsbury, Hereford and Llandrindod plan ahead and check their journey before travelling, using our website or app.
“These upgrades are a vital step towards introducing our brand‑new Class 197 trains on the Cambrian line later this year, which will bring improved comfort and capacity for customers.”
Image credit: Network Rail
