April reopening for flood-hit Cambrian Line

the worst affected routes following the storms was the Cambrian Line, which suffered 33 washouts over a half-mile stretch of the line near Welshpool, leaving sections of the track unsupported. Network Rail has been working on repairs to the damaged railway throughout March and announced that it hoped the line would reopen during the first week of April. In addition, NR is to install 5000 tonnes of rock armour to protect the railway from similar flooding issues in the future, with £2 million of emergency funding awarded to try and protect the line from similar issues in the future. Rock armour acts as a barrier to stop the ballast from being washed away by reducing the speed of the water and restricting its flow. NR’S Wales & Borders route director, Bill Kelly, said: “Climate change is happening here and now, so building a more resilient railway for Wales & Borders is a top priority.

“We know the Cambrian Line is a social and economic lifeline for the communities it serves. Building on our work to raise black bridge near Machynlleth and our £30 million investment at Barmouth Viaduct – we are committed to protecting the future of this vital transport link.

“I’d like to thank passengers and the local community for their patience. Our teams are working day and night to get this work completed.”

Network Rail Showing just a small section of the damaged Cambrian Line following flooding in mid-february, with several sections of the trackbed washed away. Network Rail aims to reopen the line during the first week of April.