The train service between Harlech and Pwllheli in North Wales was running again today following the rebuilding of a viaduct.

The 150 year-old wooden bridge over the Afon Dwyryd near Llandecwyn has been replaced with a modern structure.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Welsh Government, Network Rail and TraCC, and managed by Gwynedd Council, the project has also involved line speed improvements over the new bridge as part of plans to accelerate trains on the route.

With the rail bridge now complete, trains are now able to serve the entire Cambrian Coast line for the first time since late 2013.

The upper section of the Cambrian Coast railway closed between Harlech and Pwllheli in November 2013, shortly after the £20 million bridge-replacement project started.

Further work was needed on the line earlier this year after ferocious winter storms caused widespread damage. The lower section of the line – between Dovey Junction and Harlech – closed in January, after storms and tidal surges severely damaged the infrastructure.

The railway was quickly opened between Dovey Junction and Barmouth, with more substantial works needed at Llanaber. Following a £10 million programme to repair the damage, the railway opened between Barmouth and Harlech in May.

Work continued at Pont Briwet through the summer months and, now the bridge is complete, trains can continue onward from Harlech to Pwllheli.

Mark Langman, Network Rail's route managing director for Wales, said: “I am grateful for the support we had in communities like Barmouth, Harlech and Tywyn during our efforts to re-open the lower section of the line following the unprecedented storm damage earlier this year.

“Now Gwynedd Council has completed the rail section of Pont Briwet, we are thrilled that services can now resume all the way to Pwllheli. I’d like to thank the communities for their patience while the work has been carried out.”