Rail services reduced as Storm Goretti hits the area

Rail passengers travelling on the Cambrian Line between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth are being advised to plan ahead today, with reduced services expected from mid afternoon as severe winter weather affects the area.

Network Rail and Transport for Wales have confirmed that while trains are expected to run as normal on this morning, services on the Cambrian Line will be reduced from around 3pm due to yellow and amber weather warnings for snow and strong winds.

From this afternoon, trains between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth will operate once every two hours, affecting services calling at Welshpool and Newtown. The reduced timetable is expected to remain in place into Friday morning as conditions worsen overnight.

Forecasters are predicting up to 20 to 30 centimetres of snow in parts of Wales, alongside strong winds of up to 50mph. These conditions can significantly affect railway infrastructure, particularly on rural routes such as the Cambrian Line, where frozen points, signalling issues and fallen trees are more likely.

Network Rail said decisions on any further service alterations or line closures would be based on real time weather conditions and ongoing safety assessments.

Rail replacement buses will not be able to operate if sections of the line are closed, due to the impact of snow and ice on road conditions.

Passengers are being strongly advised to check their journey before travelling and throughout the day, allow extra time for their journeys, and take extra care at stations where platforms, steps and car parks may be slippery.

Rail tickets dated for Thursday, 8 January can be used for travel up to Sunday, 11 January, providing flexibility for passengers affected by the disruption.

Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said Storm Goretti was expected to bring challenging conditions from Thursday afternoon and overnight, including snow, ice and strong winds.

“While services are expected to run as normal on Thursday morning, from mid afternoon onwards we anticipate the need to reduce or close some services to keep passengers and our colleagues safe,” he said.

Transport for Wales said it is working closely with Network Rail to monitor conditions across the network and adapt services as the weather develops.

Passengers are urged to check the latest travel information before travelling via National Rail Enquiries or Transport for Wales’ live network map.