Local leaders have welcomed the news that Network Rail is to begin an ambitious £25 million project to upgrade Barmouth’s iconic viaduct.

The three-year project will see the Grade II listed structure renovated and protected for future generations.

Welcoming the news, Barmouth mayor Cllr Phil Hill said: “This is tremendous news for the local community and will safeguard the future of this iconic structure for many years to come.

“Thanks to the collaboration of certain groups this investment will help maintain and improve the connection between communities up and down the coast.

“The bridge has also played an important part in contributing to tourism in the area and attracts visitors from everywhere.

“On behalf of the residents of Barmouth we would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody involved in this project and investing in our town.”

To avoid a long closure of the crucial railway line, the work will be carried out in parts.

County councillor Eryl Jones Williams, who is chair of the Cambrian Coast Railway Forum, also welcomed the news, saying: “Talks have been taking place between CADW, Gwynedd Council and stakeholders for the past three years, and as Chairman of the Cambrian Coast Railway forum I am pleased that they have taken into account how important the Barmouth Viaduct is to the community and tourists.

“I was hoping that most of the work would be undertaken at night.”

Between June and October in 2020 preparation work will be undertaken with the railway line closed between 16 October and 2nd November with workmen moving away in November and December this year.

In 2021 preparation work will be between June and September and the railway line closed between 17 September and 18 December and clearance work between December 2021 and January 2022.

The final details have not been made for 2022 but it is expected that preparation work will be between June and October with the railway line closing between October and December.