Network Rail is drawing up plans for what is expected to be a month-long closure of the North Wales Coast railway line west of Chester in January 2027 to allow major infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of new accessible footbridges, extensive track renewals and drainage improvements.

While the exact dates have yet to be confirmed, the closure is expected to affect rail services across North Wales, with replacement transport likely to be put in place while work is carried out.

The scheme forms part of wider improvements being delivered by Network Rail and Transport for Wales aimed at increasing capacity and service frequency along the North Wales Coast line.

Network Rail said the upgrades are linked to plans to increase the number of train services on the route by 50% and boost capacity by 40%.

A key element of the work involves the permanent closure of two pedestrian level crossings at Beverley Drive and Sandy Lane, near Pensarn and Kinmel Bay, which Network Rail says pose safety risks because of the high number of users and poor visibility of approaching trains travelling at speeds of up to 80mph.

The crossings are regularly used by dog walkers, residents and schoolchildren accessing the nearby Morfa area.

To provide a safer alternative, Network Rail is constructing two new fully accessible footbridges. One bridge, designed following consultation with local residents, has been described as a less visually intrusive structure and will be located alongside the existing road bridge, with access from Bridge Road.

Main construction work is already under way, with the bridges expected to be craned into place during the planned railway shutdown in January 2027. The permanent crossing route is scheduled to open in spring 2027.

Alongside the bridge installations, engineers are expected to carry out track renewals and drainage enhancements, work that would be difficult to complete while trains continue running. Such blockades are often used by Network Rail to allow multiple projects to be delivered simultaneously, reducing long-term disruption and improving reliability.

The North Wales Coast line is one of Wales’ most important rail corridors, linking Holyhead, Bangor, Llandudno Junction, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl and Prestatyn with Chester, the North West of England and London. The route also serves the busy Port of Holyhead and is a key transport link for commuters, tourists and businesses.

Although passengers are likely to face disruption during the closure, rail officials say the investment is designed to deliver a safer and more reliable railway capable of supporting more frequent services in the future.

Further details on the dates of the closure and replacement travel arrangements are expected to be announced once plans are finalised.