The Conwy Valley line reopened to passengers this week. Its after recent storm damage caused it to shut between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno Junction.

The line closed back in October due to reports of damage in the Blaenau Ffestiniog tunnel. The longest tunnel of its kind in the UK.

October saw more than average rainfall in the Blaenau Ffestiniog area as a result of Storm Brian and Ex-Storm Ophellia.

The rainfall caused more water to enter the tunnel and damaging one of the structual pillars inside the tunnel itself.

Network Rails tunneling mining specialists were drafted in. This is because of the hard rock and also natural water courses in the tunnel walls. They installed scaffolding inside the tunnel to hold the estimated 28 tonnes of rock whilst the pillar was rebuilt.

Essential repairs were also completed near Glan Conwy and the Bertheos and Roman Bridge tunnels.

What did the officials say?

Chris Howchin, route programme manager for Network Rail in Wales and the Borders, said: “Our engineers worked 24/7 to repair the Blaenau Ffestiniog tunnel after damage caused by recent storms. The Conwy Valley line is a vital link for local people and important for economic growth in the area, so we worked hard to reopen the railway as soon as it was safe to do so. We worked closely with Arriva Trains Wales to keep passengers moving with rail replacement buses during the closure, and I would like to thank passengers for their patience while this essential repair work took place.”

Lynne Milligan, Customer Services Director for Arriva Trains Wales added: “We are delighted that the line is now reopening for our customers and we thank them for their patience. Ultimately passenger safety is our first consideration so it was essential that these repairs be carried out. We have worked closely with our partners in Network Rail to ensure disruption to customers is kept to a minimum.”

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