Network Rail has completed the major refurbishment of Dovey Junction viaduct in North Wales ahead of schedule, after teams worked through months of extreme weather and around the tides.
The 360ft-long viaduct carries the Cambrian line over the Afon Dyfi (Dovey River) through the habitats of the area’s protected species, including ospreys and grey geese.
The refurbishment was a major undertaking, with Network Rail teams working in challenging conditions to replace parts of the wooden structure with Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) resin, a polymer made from recycled waste plastic. This new material will make the viaduct more durable and require less maintenance, reducing disruption to local habitats.
Network Rail’s route director for Network Rail Wales & Borders Nick Millington said: “It has been a huge challenge to complete the refurbishment of Dovey Junction Viaduct, working in storms and extreme weather while coping with flooding and a lot of mud.
“As well as completing the job safely, great care was taken to protect the environment along this beautiful stretch of railway and to recycle materials.
“We'd like to thank the local community and our passengers for their patience during this work and as we continue our restoration further along the line at Barmouth viaduct.
“These two projects will boost the resilience and reliability of this line for generations to come.”
As well as completing the reinforcement work, the team also removed approximately 77 tonnes of timber from the structure, which was then reused, and helped reduce waste.
The team are also donating around 90 metres of track panels to Gwili Railway, which is a heritage line, in the coming weeks.
AmcoGiffen operations director Andy Crowley said: “Safe, successful and early completion of the work at Dovey Junction viaduct is an incredible achievement for the whole team, including our supply partners. In addition, the whole project truly showcases what genuine, deep-rooted collaboration will look like in the years to come.”
Chief customer and culture officer at TfW Marie Daly said: “This significant investment in the Cambrian Line by Network Rail will strengthen resilience on the route for many years to come and help us to provide more consistent services for our customers.”
The railway remains closed between Machynlleth and Pwllheli until Sunday 3 December to allow the restoration to safely continue at Barmouth.
Transport for Wales will continue to operate a combination of bus replacements and train services along the Cambrian line.
Photo Credit: Network Rail
