Written Statement: North Wales Main Line Railway Engineering Works

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.