THE first phase of an exciting new rail project in Blaenau Ffestiniog has been completed.

This month marks the completion of the first section to be cleared for the reinstated Blaenau Ffestiniog to Trawsfynydd branch line.

The Trawsfynydd and Blaenau Ffestiniog Community Railway Company formed in July 2016 to reinstate rail traffic to the six and half miles of redundant railway, with the long term aim being to restore the railway all the way back to Bala Junction.

After only 14 working days since late September, a 220-yard section from the end of the mainline at Blaenau Ffestiniog station to Cwmbowydd road crossing has been cleared of trees and bushes and all of the litter removed including, bizarrely a toilet and flat screen TV.

Repairs to the Victorian drainage system have also been effected, where over the years the pipe has become blocked or damaged.

Work now moves to onto Maentwrog road yard where in the past explosives were transhipped from the Cookes explosive works in Penrhyndeudraeth to Maentwrog Road for further distribution.

This transit was originally due to the closure of Barmouth Bridge to locomotives after the discovery of woodworm damage to the wooden pillars under the viaduct in 1980.

It is this work that’s allowed the addition of extra sidings and the retention of the goods shed at Maentwrog Road, all of which will be restored and repaired and the yard used as the main operating base for the Traws-rail operation.