Major Landslip at Gobowen Railway Line Forces Closure and Repair Work

The rail line at Gobowen, travelling in the Wrexham to Shrewsbury direction, faced a major setback over the weekend as a significant landslip occurred due to recent bad weather conditions. This led to the closure of the route in that direction, followed by a complete shutdown to allow Network Rail teams to work tirelessly to repair the damage.

Teams have been working around the clock to clear the landslip, which was described as being equivalent to the weight of a Boeing 757. The efforts have paid off, as the route is now set to reopen for the first service tomorrow morning, providing relief to passengers looking to travel to Gobowen, Chirk, Ruabon, or Wrexham General stations without the need for a bus replacement service.

A spokesperson for Network Rail highlighted the challenges faced following the landslip, stating, “Our teams have been on site since Sunday, using both sides of the track to safely work through the day and night, removing the landslip of earth, vegetation, and other debris. This will ensure that the line can be reopened in time for the first service on Tuesday, January 7.”

Transport for Wales also confirmed the plan, emphasizing the importance of checking travel arrangements before embarking on the journey. The closure of the railway line between Wrexham and Shrewsbury has prompted engineers to assess the damage and carry out emergency repairs, with the line expected to reopen at approximately 0500 on Tuesday morning.

Despite the challenges posed by the landslip, the coordinated efforts of Network Rail and Transport for Wales aim to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety and convenience of passengers traveling through the affected route.