Craig Williams MP has welcomed Network Rail investment to make the Cambrian Line more resilient against future storms.
The railway line between Welshpool and Newtown was forced into closure last month following extensive damage caused by Storms Eunice and Franklin, which included 33 washouts over half a mile of track. Network Rail have today announced that the line will reopen by the first week of April.
As well as repairing the storm damage, Network Rail will also be investing £2m of emergency funding into this section of the line in protecting it against future storms. The works will include installing more than 5,000 tonnes of rock armour on the embankment alongside the railway, which will act as a barrier against floodwater. Culverts will also be refurbished within the damaged section, as well as renewing the tracks themselves.
Craig Williams MP commented:
“The closure of the rail line between Welshpool and Newtown, and the subsequent bus-replacement services, has been extremely disruptive for rail users. I am therefore very pleased by the news that Network Rail will have the line reopened by Easter, and that they have committed funding to ensuring such closures will not be repeated during future storms.
“The damage caused to this section of line by Storms Eunice and Franklin was extensive and therefore did necessitate full closure. The installation of rock armour alongside the tracks has proved successful on similarly flood-affected lines such as Conwy Valley and the Marches, and I am very hopeful this resilience investment will further protect the line and allow for it to be reopened far quicker after periods of major flooding. This funding also reinforces the UK Government’s commitment to investing in Mid Wales and improving our railways.”
This week, thousands of victims who were infected with contaminated blood have received a national apology from the Prime Minister for this historic scandal.
