Network Rail will be working to complete a range of work on the Cambrian Line during a 16-day period.

Engineers will be carrying out track and drainage renewals, bridge renewal, embankment work, vegetation management and train maintenance between the 17th of March and the 2nd of April 2025.

Buses will replace trains:

• Between Newtown and Aberystwyth from Monday 17 March until 9am on Friday 21 March
• Between Machynlleth and Pwllheli from Monday 17 March until 9am on Friday 21 March
• Between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth from 6pm on Friday 21 March until Wednesday 2 April

Network Rail say that they have worked with Transport for Wales to maximise the amount of work completed and reduce future disruption by completing work scheduled for 2026 and 2027.

During the 16 days the line is closed, Network Rail engineers will be completing a range of work, including:

• Track renewals: Replacing the existing, life-expired track at sites between Machynlleth and Dovey Junction, and between Machynlleth and Caersws.
• Track maintenance: Carrying out essential maintenance of the track at multiple sites, including between Shrewsbury and Welshpool, and between Caersws and Newtown.
• Embankment strengthening: Stabilising the embankment next to the railway near Talerddig by installing rock netting.
• Bridge renewals: Refurbishing a railway bridge wall at Glantwymyn, between Machynlleth and Caersws.
• Vegetation clearance: Teams will cut back trees and hedges that are either diseased or overgrown and could pose a significant threat to the railway at various sites between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth.

Track renewal at Machynlleth will allow for the introduction of new Class 197 trains on the route.

“We recognise there is never a good time to close the railway for a significant amount of time, but we have planned this essential work to minimise disruption as much as possible.

“To maximise efficiency and minimise future disruption, we have brought forward and included work that was scheduled to take place over the next two years.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director