THE Conwy Valley railway line is to reopen in time for the National Eisteddfod.

The line will reopen in two parts: between Llandudno Junction and Llanrwst North on Thursday July 18, and all the way to Blaneau Ffestiniog on Wednesday July 24.

North Wales Pioneer: The repair team who worked on the Conwy Valley LineThe repair team who worked on the Conwy Valley Line

The National Eisteddfod will take place at Llanrwst between Friday August 2 and Saturday August 10.

Network Rail, and its principal contractor, Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd, have been working together to reopen the line

It was closed on Saturday March 16 as a result of flooding, caused by a combination of high tide and a low-pressure system following Storm Gareth.

The extensive damage meant that six miles of track, Dolgarrog station, 10 level crossings and nine culverts required significant repair.

North Wales Pioneer: Damage to the lineDamage to the line

Since the closure of the line, teams have removed washout materials, replaced ballast, refurbished level crossings, designed and installed flood culverts and constructed embankments, to safely restore the track.

Dolgarrog station will remain closed for the time being while the flood damaged platform is replaced.

Bill Kelly, route director for Network Rail, Wales and Borders, said: “We recognise the importance of the National Eisteddfod to Wales and we are delighted to be able to reopen the line for passengers ahead of this fantastic event.

“We have worked closely with our partner, Griffiths, to complete this major repair work on the line and with Transport for Wales, to keep passengers moving with rail replacement buses during the closure.”

To celebrate the reopening of the line, Network Rail and Transport for Wales Rail Services are hosting a steam train trip on Saturday 3 August. Tickets for the train, which will run from Chester to Blaenau Ffestiniog, will be available for the public to purchase on Monday 22 July.