Heart of Wales Line Faces Week-Long Travel Disruption
Travellers planning journeys through mid-Wales this September should be ready for disruption on the Heart of Wales Line. The closures will affect both tourists exploring rural areas and regular passengers commuting across the region. Travelling times may be extended and some connections could be harder to make. While replacement bus services will run, passengers are encouraged to factor in additional travel time across the sections being worked on.
The planned closure runs from 9 pm on Friday, 12 September until 5:30 am on Saturday, 20 September 2025, covering the section between Craven Arms Junction and Llandeilo Junction. No trains will run between Llanwrtyd and Shrewsbury, and buses will provide replacement transport. Overnight road closures for level crossings are also scheduled at the following locations:
- Dolau: 15-16 September
- Llandrindod Wells: 16-17 September
- Ffairfach: 18-19 September
“We appreciate that there is always an element of inconvenience for passengers, residents and stakeholders while we undertake work of this nature, but it is essential for the efficiency and sustainability of the network that we do. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation as we work hard to maintain a safe, reliable railway for years to come."
These closures could make accessing some popular natural and outdoor attractions more difficult. Visitors planning to explore Brecon Beacons trails near Llanwrtyd Wells, Rhayader Reservoirs walking routes, and the Sugar Loaf Mountain paths near Abergavenny should anticipate longer travel times. Temporary suspension of train services and overnight road works may require alternative routes or extra travel time to reach these sites.
Other outdoor locations in the region may also be harder to reach during the closure period. Elan Valley lakes, Builth Wells riverside walks, and Hay-on-Wye riverside trails are all situated within the affected area. Travellers aiming to enjoy these sites should adjust their schedules, consider local bus or taxi options, and plan carefully to minimise the impact of delays caused by engineering works.
Although the closures may cause temporary disruption, the planned engineering works aim to provide lasting benefits for travellers. Improvements such as track renewal, drainage upgrades, and vegetation management are intended to enhance the safety and reliability of the Heart of Wales Line. By planning journeys carefully during the closure, passengers can manage the period more easily and be assured that, once the work is finished, the railway will offer a safer and more dependable service for both local residents and visitors.