New North Wales freight flow

WELSH slate aggregate is being transported to Luton via rail freight for the first time ever, thanks to a joint initiative between Network Rail, construction materials company Breedon, and the Welsh Government.

Llandudno Junction freight yard, which hasn’t been used for several years, has been reactivated following extensive work at the site, including vegetation removal, track repairs and refurbishment of the points.

The first freight train to leave Llandudno Junction departed in

July, carrying 22 wagons filled with slate aggregate from local quarries for the journey to Luton. The Welsh Government has provided match funding to Breedon Group for the enhancements at Llandudno Junction freight sidings via the Freight Facilities Grant scheme – up to 250,000 tonnes of slate waste aggregates is expected to be moved by rail each year from the site

RCTS UNDER OBSERVATION: GBRf Class 56 conversion No. 69003 (ex-56018) was named The Railway Observer at a ceremony at Barrow Hill Roundhouse during the railway establishment’s gala weekend on August 27. The name was previously carried by NR NMT HST power car No. 43014.