Shrewsbury rail passengers warned of disruption as major works take place on Cambrian line this month

Rail passengers travelling through Shropshire and Mid Wales are being urged to plan ahead, with a series of engineering works set to affect services this month.

Network Rail is carrying out essential infrastructure upgrades on the Cambrian line between Shrewsbury, Aberystwyth and Machynlleth, ahead of new Class 197 trains entering service later this year.

Work will take place from this Friday (May 8) until Friday, May 22.

Separate works will also affect services between Llandrindod Wells, Hereford and Shrewsbury on Saturday and Sunday (May 9-10).

The programme includes bridge refurbishment work in Shrewsbury, track renewal at Montgomery, level crossing upgrades at Llanidloes Road, Caersws and Llanbadarn Fawr, and land and drainage improvements near Dol‑y‑Bont, Fronfraith and Llanbadarn.

General maintenance and vegetation clearance will also take place at several locations along the route.

Network Rail says the work is vital to maintain a safe and reliable railway for both passengers and freight.

Gwyn Rees, programme director for Wales and Borders, said the upgrades had been planned to “minimise disruption wherever possible”, adding that the line is expected to fully reopen in time for the May half‑term.

Transport for Wales will run rail‑replacement buses throughout the affected period including dedicated services for school and college travel.

Colin Lea, planning and performance director at Transport for Wales, said: “We know this will be a disruptive period for customers travelling across Mid Wales and the borders, and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience while these essential improvements are carried out.

“With different sections of the railway closed on different days between May 8 and 22, it’s really important that customers travelling between Aberystwyth, Pwllheli, Shrewsbury, Hereford and Llandrindod plan ahead and check their journey before travelling, using our website or app.

“These upgrades are a vital step towards introducing our brand-new Class 197 trains on the Cambrian line later this year, which will bring improved comfort and capacity for customers.”