Passengers reminded to check before they travel as essential track maintenance work due to start in Wrexham from this weekend

Network Rail, alongside contractors, Colas Rail, will be installing new track, over four consecutive weekends, between Wrexham Central and Wrexham General stations to help improve reliability of the line.

The work, which begins on Saturday 22 July and is expected to be completed by the end of August, will see some service alterations.

Buses will also replace trains between Wrexham and Bidston. Network Rail urges passengers to check before travelling at https://www.journeycheck.com/tfwrail/

Pedestrians and road users will be impacted as the level crossing on Watery Road will have to be closed during the continuous work to replace the track. There will be a fully signposted road and pedestrian diversions in place throughout the work. All vehicles including emergency vehicles will need to use the diversionary route.

To keep disruption to a minimum, this is the first of two phases to complete the track maintenance with the second phase expected in early 2024. Phase one will see five point-ends installed (moveable sections of track that allow trains to switch from one section of railway to another), 1.1km of track laid, and 600 tonnes of new ballast being used.

This stage will also produce around 240 tonnes of scrap, with everything being fully recycled and reused and not just within the railway – from material for roads and highways to producing new steel products.

Kevin Felton, Scheme Project Manager said: “This work will help improve reliability on the Chester to Wrexham line and will enable future works between Wrexham and Bidston that will see an improved service for passengers run by our partners at Transport for Wales.

“There’s never an ideal time to close part of the railway and we know that our work will cause some disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and will endeavour to keep the noise to a minimum throughout.”