Network
Rail
is
to
close
Barmouth
Bridge


for
up
to
13
weeks
this
autumn
so
that
its
restoration
can
be
concluded.

Network
Rail
will
be
working
with
its
principal
contractors
Alun
Griffiths
to
reconstruct
the
metal
sections
of
the
bridge,
as
well
as
renewing
the
track
near
Barmouth
Toll
House
on
the
northern
edge
of
the
viaduct.  

Work
began
in
2020
in
order
to
protect
the
bridge
for
future
generations
and
to
maintain
its
magnificent
appearance.
The
project
has
already
seen
the
timber
beams
which
support
the
154-year-old
structure
replaced.

The
restoration
has
been
split
into
several
phases
to
reduce
the
effect
on
rail
services,
the
community
and
local
economy.
Network
Rail
has
also
planned
the
work
to
avoid
the
busy
summer
season.

Network
Rail
said
Barmouth
Bridge,
including
its
footpath,
will
be
closed
from
2
September
to
24
November,
and
probably
again
from
25
November
to
3
December,
although
this
has
yet
to
be
confirmed.

Preparation
has
started
and
will
continue
until
September.
Engineering
gangs
and
contractors
are
currently
grit
blasting
the
steel
cylinders
that
support
the
metal
parts
of
the
bridge,
to
prepare
them
for
painting.

Wales
&
Borders
interim
route
director
Nick
Millington
said:
‘We
are
excited
to
begin
work
on
the
final
phase
of
restoring
this
iconic
viaduct.
There
is
no
other
like
it
in
Britain,
so
we
have
meticulously
and
carefully
brought
this
structure
back
to
life
so
it
can
serve
passengers
for
future
generations.’