Railway line chiefs met with people in Blaenau Ffestiniog on Thursday last week to discuss the future of the Conwy line.

Network Rail’s work to repair the extensive damage to the Conwy Valley line is well underway.

The line, which runs between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog, was closed on 16 March due significant flooding, caused by Storm Gareth.

Since the closure, specialist engineers have developed a programme of work which will see the line reopen this summer. So far, teams have been busy designing flood culverts, constructing embankments, removing washed out material and refurbishing level crossings, to safely restore the track.

The line is expected to reopen this summer, with the section between Llandudno and Llanrwst reopening in early summer ahead of the Eisteddfod.

Network Rail Wales and Borders hosted a community drop-in session at Ffestiniog Town Council Chambers, for people interested in learning more about the planned repair work. Network Rail project teams were on hand to provide an update on the programme and there was an opportunity for the public to ask questions.

Bill Kelly, route managing director for Network Rail, Wales and Borders, said: “We apologise to passengers and the local community who have been affected by the closure of the Conwy Valley Line as a result of the damage caused by Storm Gareth.

“We recognise the importance of this railway, and I have seen for myself the devastation the damage has caused in the local area.

“We are working closely with our partners, Transport for Wales, to keep passengers moving with rail replacement buses during the closure.”

Lee Robinson, north Wales development director for Transport for Wales, added: “We understand the importance of the Conwy Valley line and are providing transport alternatives to ensure we keep the people of Wales moving.

“We are working collaboratively with Network Rail to deal with the damage caused by the storm and to restore the service. I’d advise all our customers to check for regular updates and we apologise for any inconveniences caused.”