MS, Deputy Minister for
Transport: I recognise that the planned closure of parts of the
North Wales Main Line in January 2027 is causing concern for
passengers. The closure will be disruptive for passengers,
businesses and communities across the North of Wales. I
appreciate and understand the frustration this will cause for
those who rely on the railway and the legitimate concerns about
the impact for journeys during the closure period.
The North Wales Main Line is owned and operated by Network Rail.
They have the challenging task of maintaining the line to ensure
it is safe and functional for passenger and freight
services. They have taken the decision that these works are
necessary to maintain the long-term safety, reliability and
resilience of the railway and that the most efficient and the
overall least disruptive approach is to close the line for the
majority of the time while the works take place.
Welsh Ministers should be part of the decision making on matters
as significant as closing a railway line in Wales. The key
principle behind our ask for full rail devolution is for
decisions about the railway in Wales to be taken in
Wales, with all key partners involved in the decision-making
process, rather than treated as stakeholders to be informed.
However, I do recognise that the programme represents an
investment of more than £25 million in the North Wales Main Line
by Network Rail. The work includes track renewals, drainage
improvements, platform and station improvements, vegetation
management and the installation of two new footbridges. The
four-week programme will run from 9 January to 6 February 2027.
For the first three weeks, the railway will be closed between
Chester and Holyhead, including the Conwy Valley line and
Llandudno Junction to Llandudno. During the fourth week, the
closure will reduce to between Llandudno Junction and Holyhead.
Rail replacement services will operate throughout the closure.
Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast and Network Rail are
working together to develop reliable rail replacement bus
services, with a mix of quicker, limited stop services and
services that call at all stations on the route. The rail
industry in Wales is determined to keep passengers moving and
informed about changes to their journeys during the works.
Passengers should nevertheless expect and plan for their journeys
taking longer while the works take place.
Network Rail has discussed the proposed works and their impacts
with rail industry partners and with the Welsh Government. They
are committed to continue to engage closely with stakeholders and
passengers as the programme is delivered. I expect them to
minimise the disruption as far as possible whilst ensuring that
they successfully deliver the works to allow rail services to
recommence safely as quickly as possible.
We will continue to work with Network Rail, Transport for Wales
and the wider rail industry to ensure that they keep passengers,
communities and businesses across North Wales informed before,
during and after the works are completed.
