The Conwy Valley line between Llandudno and North Llanrwst reopened on Saturday following work to repair damage caused by adverse weather.
However, Network Rail says engineers continue to work around the clock to reopen the rest of the line – from North Llanrwst to Blaenau Ffestiniog – where repairs are being carried out on a damaged bridge between Llanrwst and Betws-y-coed.
The line has been shut since New Year’s Eve, with engineers working to repair extensive damage to the track, level crossings and bridges.
Damage to one of the bridges (Network Rail)
They have removed a tree and repaired four major washout sites, where the ballast (track stone) was washed away, over a two-and-a-half-mile section of track between North Llanrwst and Tal-y-Cafn stations.
They also had to install new ballast at dozens of smaller washout sites, as well as repairing multiple level crossings and two bridges south of Llanrwst station.
Rachel Heath, Network Rail Wales & Borders operations director, said: “There is a history of weather damage on the Conwy Valley line, with the line itself being built on a floodplain and exposed to the worst of the elements.
“Network Rail has, in recent years, repaired the worst-hit areas of the line and made them resilient by installing rock armour – but resilience is not about being resistant.
Repair work continues (Network Rail)
“Unfortunately, there will be times where we must close the railway to carry out repairs – however, the extensive work carried out in 2019 and 2020 means the railway is now able to recover quicker than previously when suffering weather-related damage.
“We apologise for the disruption and thank customers for their patience and understanding while our teams work around the clock to get the line open again.”