THE North Wales Coast Line will close for four weeks next year to allow multiple complex projects to be carried out on the railway, including the construction of new footbridges and track upgrades.
The complete shutdown of rail operations, planned for January 2027, is described as unprecedented. This will be the first time in modern history that the entire stretch of the line between Holyhead and Chester has been fully taken out of service for such a significant continuous period for planned work.
For one month, no passenger trains will run along the coastal corridor, bringing the railway to a total standstill - aside from engineering trains - while Network Rail delivers a major programme of works requiring full and uninterrupted access to the line. Freight trains are unlikely to run during the line closure.
Work will include the installation of new bridges at Prestatyn and Pensarn.
Network Rail confirmed that plans are still being finalised due to the complexity of the work, which involves “multiple worksites” and “large engineering trains operating along the route”.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are currently planning a four-week closure of the North Wales Coast line in January. However, the full scope and duration of the work is still being finalised due to the complexity of the programme, which involves multiple worksites, major infrastructure upgrades and large engineering trains operating along the route.
“To safely deliver this significant programme of work, including the construction of two new fully accessible footbridges, extensive track renewals and drainage enhancements, Network Rail requires full access to the railway.
“Carrying out the work during a continuous closure allows our teams to work safely and efficiently around the clock.
"This approach enables us to complete the work more quickly and reduces the overall disruption that passengers would otherwise face if the work was delivered over a longer period through multiple weekend and overnight closures.
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“The railway closure has purposely been scheduled for January – a quieter period for the North Wales coast when many tourist attractions and holiday parks are closed.
"This helps minimise the impact on local communities, businesses and the wider economy while allowing us to deliver these vital upgrades that will deliver significant reliability and accessibility improvements for passengers and freight services that rely on this line.”
Rail replacement services will be in place throughout the closure.
Details are being developed by Transport for Wales and will be shared closer to the time.
Transport for Wales introduced one of the most significant timetable changes for North Wales in a generation in May.
The changes, delivered through the wider Network North Wales investment programme, have increased the number of rail services on the North Wales Coast Line by about 50 per cent.
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