Conwy Valley line reopens after £1.4m resilience work
27.10.2025
The line in the Conwy Valley has reopened following a £1.4m upgrade aimed at ensuring that the railway line can function during severe weather conditions, along with improved access for railway staff.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
Conwy Valley line resumes service after major upgrade
Network Rail’s engineers and contractors worked vigorously from Blaenau Ffestiniog through to Llandudno Junction for four weeks. The project involved the removal of hazardous trees and the clearance of 600,000 square meters of vegetation around 54 miles of track to avoid obstructions from fallen trees during storms.
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The teams also constructed a new safe path for maintenance personnel and implemented safety and infrastructure improvements to bring it up to contemporary standards. The project is also part of Network Rail’s efforts to protect critical lines from the impacts of climate change.
Conwy Valley line introduces new rail treatment technology
Network Rail has, for the first time, introduced a new type of railway treatment on the Conwy Valley line in Wales. With a road-to-rail machine, ‘leavesal’ gel, produced by combining Interflon and Irish Rail, has been used. This substance can dissolve leaf contamination, last for up to seven days, and can also be reused through rain.
The line that passes through the Conwy Valley is one of the most beautiful, yet also exposed, lines in Wales. The past decade has seen the line closed for more than 500 days through the activity of storms, affecting both passenger and freight services. The recent investment by Network Rail, along with Transport for Wales, aims to improve reliability in the region.
The project benefits reliability through the autumn and wintry periods, according to Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders’ Route Director. The investment will allow the line to resist severe weather conditions in the future years, said Colin Lea, the Planning and Performance Director for Transport for Wales.
Source: railuk.com
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What work was completed on the Conwy Valley line?
Network Rail cleared vegetation, removed high-risk trees, built a new walkway, and tested a new rail treatment to improve reliability during extreme weather.
Why is the Conwy Valley line vulnerable to weather?
Its location through the valley exposes it to strong winds and storms, which have previously forced more than 500 days of closure in ten years.
Who funded and carried out the upgrades?
The £1.4 million programme was delivered by Network Rail with support from Transport for Wales.
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