Part of Cambrian Coast line to close ahead of Storm Goretti

Transport for Wales confirmed the line between Machynlleth and Pwllheli will not run all day as the network prepares for the arrival of Storm Goretti.

The announcement comes as the region is subject to an amber weather warning for snow from 5pm tomorrow until 9am on Friday (January 9).

From 3pm tomorrow there will be a reduced timetable, with the following services operating:

• 1 train per hour (tph) Cardiff Central - Crewe
• 1 train every two hours Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth

And from 3pm services will be suspended on the Craven Arms to Swansea service (via Heart of Wales Line).

Network Rail teams clearing snow at Machynlleth Station this week (Image: Transport for Wales)

Rail replacement services will not be able to run during the closures due to road conditions.

Further suspensions and reduced services will be in place across the rest of the Wales and Borders network.

Network Rail and Transport for Wales said the changes are in order to keep passengers and staff safe.

Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders said: “Storm Goretti is expected to bring challenging conditions from Thursday afternoon and overnight, including snow, ice and strong winds, which can have a significant impact on the railway. While services are expected to run as normal on Thursday morning, from mid-afternoon onwards we anticipate the need to close some lines to keep passengers and our colleagues safe.

“Safety is our number one priority, and our teams are working around the clock, alongside train operators, to prepare the network and respond quickly as conditions change. We’d urge passengers to check before they travel and plan ahead, particularly on Thursday night and Friday morning.”

Yellow and amber weather warnings for snow are in place across most of Wales from 3pm on Thursday until 12pm on Friday, with up 20-30cm of snow possible in some areas. Strong winds of 40-50mph are also forecast, increasing the risk of fallen trees and additional disruption. Snow may also turn to sleet or rain at times, bringing a risk of localised flooding.

Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can significantly affect the railway, particularly points, signalling equipment and track conditions. Decisions on line closures will be made based on real-time weather conditions and safety assessments, with further updates issued as the situation develops.

Network Rail teams are already taking a range of preventative measures ahead of the storm, including:

• Inspecting key drainage sites to ensure they are clear
• Checking points heating systems, as points can jam in snowy conditions
• Organising additional runs of snow and ice treatment trains and snow ploughs
• Arranging chainsaw teams to be on shift throughout the storm to respond quickly to fallen trees

Transport for Wales staff are also preparing for the weather by ensuring platforms are gritted, trains are ready for icy conditions, and by working closely with Network Rail to adapt service patterns as the storm develops.

Passengers are strongly advised to:

• Check their journey before travelling and throughout the day
• Allow extra time for their journeys
• Take extra care when travelling to and from stations, as platforms, steps and car parks may be slippery

Rail tickets for Thursday can be used for travel up to Sunday (January 11).

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Patrick Allinson, Head of Control Operations at Transport for Wales added: “We've already seen a lot of snow across our network at the start of this year, and with Storm Goretti forecast to bring further challenging conditions.

“We are working closely with Network Rail to monitor the situation across the network. We're asking passengers to take extra care when travelling to and from stations, as platforms, steps and car parks may be slippery.”

Passengers should check the latest travel information at nationalrail.co.uk and https://livemap.tfw.wales/