A vital rail link between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno is close to reopening, months after Storm Gareth devastated the line.

Network Rail staff have been working since March to repair the Conwy Valley Line and is this week holding drop-in events to update residents on its status.

The line, which runs between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog, was closed in March due to significant flooding, caused by weather events that followed Storm Gareth.

Since the temporary closure, teams have been working hard to repair the extensive damage. This has included significant repair work to six miles of track, embankments, 10 culverts, eight level crossings and Dolgarrog station.

The line will reopen in July, ahead of the eisteddfod.

To date, engineers have removed 8,000 tonnes of washed-out material, which will be recycled, and have installed approximately 7,500 tonnes of ‘rock armour’ to improve the resilience of the railway line.

Network Rail has also been working in close partnership with Natural Resources Wales to obtain necessary licences and investigate solutions for the future resilience of the Conwy Valley.

Kevin Collins, route delivery director for Network Rail, Wales and Borders, said: “We would like to thank passengers and the local community affected by the closure of the Conwy Valley Line for their continued patience while this extensive programme of repairs continues.

We understand the importance of this railway, and our teams have been working very hard so we can reopen the line as soon as possible.

“We continue to work closely with our partners, Transport for Wales, to keep passengers moving with rail replacement buses during the closure.  I would encourage anyone wishing to find out more about the ongoing programme of repairs to attend one of the upcoming drop-in sessions.”

See last week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online now