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  • Agenda item

    TO RECEIVE UPDATES FROM SERVICES

    • Meeting of Cambrian Coast Railway Liaison Committee, Friday, 31st March, 2023 10.30 am (Item 5.)

    ·         Network Rail

    ·         Transport for Wales

    ·         British Transport Police

    Minutes:

    NETWORK RAIL

     

    Ben Perkins (Project Manager), Gareth Yates (Project Manager) and Sara Crombie (Network Rail Communications Manager) were welcomed to the meeting.

     

    Update on upgrading Barmouth viaduct

     

    Key images and facts were presented on the work undertaken on the viaduct and it was noted that the timber work had now been completed and the steel work was about to commence. It was noted that there would be no change to the design of the original bridge – new steel structures would be constructed by a company from Doncaster and these sections would be transported individually to Barmouth at the beginning of the summer. The bridge would close between 01-09-23 and 25-11-23 to complete the work (taking advantage while it was closed to complete additional repair work on the railway). 

     

    Update on Aberdyfi viaduct

     

    It was reported that the structure of the Aberdyfi viaduct, like Barmouth viaduct, needed to be fully renovated and the work would be completed in two sections to avoid environmental disruption.  The bridge would close between 01-09-23 and 31-10-23.

     

    The officers were thanked for the update and the investment was appreciated locally.

               

    In response to a question regarding enabling access to the Aberdyfi viaduct, it was noted that an access plan to the site had been approved.  There would be access from the Ceredigion side of the estuary and discussions had already been held with landowners. In response to a further observation about re-directing the Coastal Path to go over the bridge rather than the mountains, it was noted that this was not possible as the bridge was too narrow.

     

    In response to the disappointment that the bridge would close at the start of September which in turn would impact locally organised events during this period, it was noted, although accepting the impact on the holiday season and local events, a balance had to be struck between ecological access and the need for a period of 12 weeks to undertake the work (strict conditions on Dyfi viaduct due to protected geese).

     

    In response to a comment regarding the bus provision during closure, it was noted that discussions were being held with Transport for Wales. Once the arrangements had been confirmed it would be possible to share the information.  In response, it was noted that there was a need to ensure a sufficient bus service for local events e.g., Harlech Beer Festival.

    There was a need to organise a meeting with Transport for Wales to discuss a sufficient bus provision.

     

    In response to a question regarding the timeframe, accepting that the work is challenging, and weather conditions had an impact, it was noted that the weather had been factored into the timeframe and the construction of the steel work was proceeding well. It was added that the bridge would be transported in sections on the back of a lorry to the Morfa Madog site at the end of May with an exercise of bridge construction undertaken prior to this in Doncaster. It was confirmed that they were not looking at closing the bridge after November.  It was suggested that a site visit should be conducted so that Members could see the work. 

     

    In response to a supplementary question regarding the implications of transporting the steel work during the holiday season, it was noted that transportation would mean issuing a transport notice and the transport company would make every effort to avoid busy times, causing as little congestion as possible and as cost-effective as possible.

    A request was made to Network Rail to share information and keep in close contact with the Harbour Master and Local Members to reduce the impact on the public.

                                                               

    TRANSPORT FOR WALES

     

    Gail Jones, Transport for Wales, was welcomed to the meeting to present an update on the activities of Transport for Wales.

     

    ·         Transport for Wales had temporarily withdrawn many Class 175 trains from service to undertake checks and maintenance following recent mechanical difficulties.  It was highlighted that the checks had found that some trains needed to be repaired before they were returned into service. As a result, it was likely that the disruption to passenger services would continue until the beginning of April.  This would affect morning trains to Barmouth – a bus service had been organised.

    ·         The work of installing lifesaving defibrillators in railway stations had been completed and a comprehensive programme of training and awareness had been organised with schools. Anyone with further interest should contact GJ

    ·         It was announced that Jo Edwards had been appointed as a Schools Liaison Officer – JE will be responsible for ensuring that pupils who attend Ysgol Tywyn and Ysgol Ardudwy do so safely, that pupils behave appropriately on the trains, and will visit schools to discuss railway safety.

    ·         Introduction of class 197 trains – 2 carriage trains.  Although the seating capacity of these carriages was less than the existing carriages, the 197 carriages allowed access to different users – more space for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, bicycles, and prams.  It was added that Transport for Wales cannot currently run trains with more than two carriages on the Cambrian Coast Railway due to existing infrastructure limitations (short platforms and level crossings near stations) – investment in infrastructure had not been devolved – it is the UK Government that is responsible for this.

    ·         Good work was being undertaken between Community Railways and Ramblers Cymru with organised family walks.  

     

    They were thanked for the update.

     

    In response to a question regarding encouraging train use to travel to the National Eisteddfod in summer 2023 and to consequently ensure that additional provision was available for visitors, it was noted that on the Cambrian Coast Railway and the North Wales Coast Railway, Transport for Wales was looking into the possibility of introducing additional carriages to support the journeys/peak times – (usually during the summer months). It was noted that a pilot scheme had been successfully trialled, e.g., during concerts and rugby matches in Cardiff.  Should this be introduced on the Cambrian Coast Railway and the North Wales Coast Railway, cooperation would be required with the County to gather essential feedback to ensure the structure and its success.  It was added that Lowri Joyce Lowri.Joyce@tfw.wales was working on the details of designated trips to the National Eisteddfod.    

     

    In response to an observation regarding introducing 197 vehicles and that the size of the platform limited the use of more than one carriage, it was noted that it was possible to challenge the safety element of the doors on the train and introduce four carriages during busy periods.

     

    In response to a question regarding whether the number of passengers had returned to the number before covid, it was noted that an increase had been seen, however, it had not reached the pre-covid levels.  With further investment in facilities on the trains, the hope was that there would be an increase in passenger numbers. 

     

    Observations and other matters raised during the discussion:

    ·         Representatives welcomed the Transport for Wales investment in the area

    ·         Request to install a camera in the Penrhyndeudraeth shelter

     

     

    BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE

     

    No representative from the British Transport Police was present to submit a report and no response had been received from Inspector Karl Anderson to the meeting request. It was suggested that different sections of the Police were responsible for Cambrian Railway safety with the British Transport Police responsible for the line up to Harlech, and North Wales Police (Bangor) responsible for the line from Harlech to Pwllheli.

    A request was made for more information to confirm this arrangement.

     

    Officers were thanked for the updates.

    Members wished to thank Philip Caldwell (Network Rail Crossing Manager) for his excellent work and his willingness to always respond to safety information requests.

     

     

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