Extreme weather closes Heart of Wales line

The Heart of Wales line was extensively damaged in two locations, with ballast washed away from under the track.

The railway between Shrewsbury and Llandrindod Wells – the ‘Heart of Wales line – has been closed owing to extensive damage caused by extreme rainfall in mid-Wales on 12 and 13 August.

The railway has been damaged at various sites near Knighton, including across a 350-metre stretch where ballast has been washed away and significant debris has been washed onto the track, meaning it is completely buried in some areas.

In some places the track was completely buried by mud and fallen trees.
Bill Kelly, Network Rail.

Network Rail engineers are working around the clock to inspect and repair the damage and will confirm how long the closure will last as soon as possible. 

Network Rail’s Wales route director Bill Kelly said: “We saw extreme rainfall for a prolonged period which has caused significant damage to sections of the railway and left debris across hundreds of metres of track.

“We are already working around the clock to repair the damage as quickly as possible and we will keep everyone updated with our progress.”

Clearing the debris will be a major job.
James Price, Transport for Wales.

James Price, chief executive officer of Transport for Wales, added: “We would like to apologise to our customers for any disruption that has been caused, we’ll be working with our partners in Network Rail to resume services as quickly as possible.

“There will be rail replacement buses available and please could all our customers check online before they travel for updated information.”

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