North Wales passengers urged to check before travelling as engineers work to bring new signalling system into use

Rail passengers planning on travelling across parts of North Wales over the next few weekends are being urged to check for any service changes before heading out and about.

Network Rail say that Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March “marks a milestone” in the £50m North Wales railway upgrade project, with a state-of-the-art signalling system between Shotton and Colwyn Bay will come into use for the first time.

Over the weekend engineers will be carrying out final testing and commissioning of the new signalling system, which forms part of Network Rail’s Upgrade Plan. Once complete it will increase the resilience and reliability of the railway for passengers in North Wales.

Network Rail is working in partnership with Arriva Trains Wales and Virgin Trains to minimise disruption during delivery of the North Wales railway upgrade project.

While the remainder of the works continue, replacement bus services will be in operation between Llandudno Junction and Chester on:- Sunday 18 March, Saturday 24 March, Sunday 25 March, Sunday 8 April, Sunday 15 April, Sunday 22 April, Sunday 29 April and Sunday 13 May.

Richard Evans, programme manager for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “I would like to thank residents and passengers for their patience during the installation of the new signalling system.

“We will be working closely with Arriva Trains Wales and our industry partners to minimise disruption to passengers and residents as we complete this essential work.”

Bethan Jelfs, customer services director for Arriva Trains Wales said: “Upgrade work on the railway in North Wales is excellent news in terms of running reliable and efficient services for our customers now and in the future.

“We are working closely with our partners in Network Rail to ensure this valuable work impacts as few of our customers as possible. We would like to thank our customers for their patience and ask passengers to check before they travel.”

As well as the new signalling system, the North Wales railway upgrade project also includes the installation of new track along the railway line in Flint, Rhyl, Mostyn and Abergele.

Network Rail say the project is set to be completed by the summer 2018.

Passengers are advised to check before they travel via the Network Rail website.