Cambrian Line

Multi-million pound investment to protect Cambrian Line from extreme weather

Network Rail has announced a multi-million-pound investment to help protect the railway from extreme weather events and future passenger disruption.

The Cambrian Line is set to reopen next month after storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin forced it to close and caused wider disruption to rail services.

The recent storms caused 33 track washouts over a half mile stretch of the railway on the Cambrian Line near Welshpool.

A further £2m in extra funding has also been announced to protect this section of railway from future extreme weather events.

Engineers will repair damage from the washouts and install more than 5,000 tonnes of rock armour on the embankment.

More than 10,000 tonnes of materials will need to be transported to the site before the rock armour can be installed.

Bill Kelly, Wales and Borders Route Director at Network Rail spoke on the work taking place on the Cambrian Line.

Mr Kelly said: “Climate change is happening here and now so building a more resilient railway for Wales & Borders is a top priority.

“We know the Cambrian Line is a social and economic lifeline for the communities it serves.

“Building on our work to raise black bridge near Machynlleth and our £30m investment at Barmouth Viaduct - we're committed to protecting the future of this vital transport link.

“I’d like to thank passengers and the local community for their patience.

“Our teams are working day and night to get this work completed as quickly and safely as possible.”

Jan Chaudhry-Van der Velde, Managing Director of Transport for Wales commented on the additional funding to protect the Cambrian Line from extreme weather.

Mr Chaudhry-Van der Velde said: “We welcome Network Rail’s announcement of an additional £2m of funding to enhance protection for the Cambrian Line.

“We understand disruption caused by storm damage, although beyond our control, is incredibly frustrating for our customers.

“We are grateful to Network Rail for completing this repair work as quickly as possible and for carrying out further work to protect the line in the future.

“Once again we would like to thank our customers for their understanding while this work is taking place.”

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