BUSES will replace trains on a vital railway link until a new bridge over the Afon Dwyryd is completed in 2015, Network Rail has confirmed.
Detailed examinations have established piling work in the river bed for the new Pont Dwyryd crossing is significantly affecting the structural capability of the wooden viaduct it is replacing making it impractical to run trains during the remainder of the construction works.
Mark Langman, route managing director for Wales said: “We fully understand the inconvenience this will cause and we apologise for this.
“However, the safe operation of the railway is our absolute priority.
“Following the examinations, we found the only option to complete the new bridge was to keep the railway line closed until the new structure is in place.
“We will work closely with Gwynedd Council and its contractor so the new bridge can be completed as soon as possible so that rail services can resume”.
The line has been closed since early November after monitoring equipment detected movement to Pont Briwet viaduct during construction works for the replacement bridge.
The bridge was scheduled to remain open whilst the new bridge was constructed immediately alongside it.
Youngsters use the train service to go to school and the closure of the bridge means an eight-zmile detour through Maentwrog.
Parents and other commuters, already angry the bridge would be closed over Christmas, are furious the bridge will closed for more than 18 months.
One said: “There was every likelihood of this happening from the moment the piledrivers started work. Network Rail should have foreseen this in their planning for this project. I’m disgusted they put the news out just before Christmas.”
Cllr, Gareth Thomas, who represents Penrhyndeudraeth on Gwynedd Council said: “Residents and business owners are aware of the on-going safety issues in relation to the bridge, and closing the bridge for such a long period of time due to the holiday period, causes grave difficulties in the locality.”
The original Pont Briwet crossing is a wooden viaduct built in the 1860s.
The new bridge will be a modern structure capable of carrying heavier trains at a faster speed, as well as a new road crossing.
Until the new bridge is opened, Arriva Trains Wales will be running an amended timetable. All (northbound) services from Machynlleth will now terminate at Harlech.
Buses will take people on to stations towards Penrhyndeudraeth, Porthmadog, Criccieth and Pwllheli.
Passengers are advised to check with National Rail Enquiries for detailed, up to date information.
