A railway line has reopened following months of restoration work, but flooding elsewhere is affecting travel.
The Grade II listed Barmouth Viaduct has been undergoing £30m of restoration work since September.
It had been due to reopen yesterday but Network Rail said it needed “a little more time for the finishing touches”, and gave themselves an extra 24 hours to complete the latest part of the project.
Network Rail said yesterday: “Our teams are working around the clock to finish up the final touches to this year’s work on the beautiful Barmouth Viaduct.
“We thank you for your patience while we refurbish this wonderful, historic piece of railway infrastructure.”
The Cambrian Line Coast line bridge at Barmouth reopened this morning and Bill Kelly, route director, Wales and Borders said: “I’d like to thank passengers, and the local community, for their patience and continued support over the last three and half months – it made a huge difference as our team worked to overcome a range of different challenges on site.“This once in a lifetime restoration will secure the future of Barmouth Viaduct for generations to come, protecting a vital transport link that is amongst Wales’ most iconic landmarks.”Colin Lea, Transport for Wales’ planning and performance director, said: “We’re delighted that Network Rail are making great progress in their work to safeguard the future of this iconic structure and the Cambrian Coast Line. Their investment in refurbishing Barmouth Viaduct sits alongside our own investment in transforming services throughout the Wales and Borders network, including brand new trains for the Cambrian Coast Line in the years to come.“Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it’s important for anyone travelling with us to check before you travel. You can do this on the TfW website www.tfw.wales or the TfW app.”
Elswhere, TfW said flooding caused by heavy rain is affecting travel along the Conwy Line.
A spokesperson said: “Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog some lines are blocked. Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.”