Maintenance work has started on Barmouth Viaduct although rail chiefs have said it will not affect train services of the town’s pedestrian footpath.

The work started over the weekend of Saturday, 16 March and is scheduled to take place overnight between Saturdays and Thursdays until Saturday, 11 May.

It is required after a recent examination found that around 300 rail deck planks need replacing to ensure safe access to the structure for railway workers.

Michael Bryan, the scheme project manager for Network Rail in the Wales and Borders region, said: “We would like to thank the local community in advance for their patience while we carry out this work as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.

“Further refurbishment of the iconic viaduct will be delivered during our next funding period between 2019 and 2024, and we will keep the community updated about plans for this work.”

With the work taking place overnight, it has been confirmed that train services will not be affected and pedestrian access to the footpath over the viaduct will still be open.

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