Conwy Valley Line to close for more than three weeks

Some 600 rock bolts will help safegaurd the Ffestiniog Tunnel

Rail passengers in north Wales face major disruption as a major line has closed for more than three weeks.

The Conwy Valley Line between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog closed on Friday and reopens on 15 December.

A bus replacement service began operating on Friday evening and will continue during the upgrade work.

Network Rail said the work will help reduce unplanned closures and disruption on the "hugely important" line for tourism and local economy.

The work includes the installation of 600 rock bolts in the Ffestiniog Tunnel, the replacement of sleepers along the line and vegetation management.

A 70m section of the tunnel requires essential work

A bus replacement service will run between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno Junction

Work will also continue to replace the platform at Dolgarrog station, Conwy, which has remained closed since it was damaged by flooding in August.

The line had only reopened shortly before when 7,500 tonnes of rock armour was installed to repair a six-mile stretch of track - damaged by flooding in March - in time for the National Eisteddfod.

Network Rail and Transport for Wales said there would be disruption for passengers.

However, councillor Philip Evans, chairman of the Conwy Valley Railway Partnership, said the latest closure was "essential" for the resilience of the line in future.

He added: "This is really good news for the long-term investment for passengers using the line."