Rail chiefs have set out plans for replacement bus services ahead of a four week closure of the North Wales Coast line in the New Year.

Major engineering works, costing £25 million, will mean no train services between Holyhead and Chester or on the Conwy Valley line between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog from Saturday 9th to Friday 29th January.

During the fourth week, the closure will be reduced to the line between Llandudno Junction and Holyhead until Saturday 6th February.

The works have been scheduled to coincide with a quieter period for tourism in the region.

Transport for Wales (TfW) says it's preparing one of its biggest ever rail replacement operations in order to "keep customers moving" during the closure.

Colin Lea, TfW's planning & performance director, said: “Following the introduction of our brand-new trains and more frequent services along the North Wales Coast, this investment is another important step towards providing a more reliable and resilient railway."

“Bringing rail replacement management in-house has allowed us to better coordinate our bus and rail operations."

“We know some journeys will take a bit longer during the closure, so we’re asking customers to check before they travel, plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey.” 

There will be regular services calling at all stations running every 30 minutes between Chester and Bangor and every hour between Bangor and Holyhead.

In addition, limited stop buses will run every 30 minutes between Chester and Holyhead, calling only at three key interchange stations - namely Colwyn Bay, Llandudno Junction and Bangor.

On Sundays, the limited stop buses will run hourly between Holyhead and Chester while services from Holyhead to Llandudno will run roughly every two hours and Llandudno to Chester services will run roughly every 30 minutes.

Trains between Manchester and Cardiff are not affected, but due to engineering works at Chester, there'll be no trains to and from Wrexham during three weekends in January. 

Services from Chester to Manchester, Liverpool and Crewe will continue as normal.

Both TfW and Network Rail are advising all passengers to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys.

The work itself will include major track renewals and upgrades at key locations on the line including Bodorgan Tunnel, Holyhead and on the outskirts of Bangor.

Emma Osborn, passenger strategy director at Network Rail, added: “The North Wales Coast is a vital railway connecting communities across the region, and this £25 million programme will see our teams deliver several years’ worth of essential upgrades in just four weeks."

“The closure gives us the access we need to carry out this work safely and efficiently, renewing key parts of the railway to make it more reliable and resilient for years to come."

“We know there is never a good time to close the railway, and we’re grateful to passengers and communities for their patience while we carry out this vital work.” 

All replacement coaches will be fully accessible, but TFW advises customers who require additional assistance are encouraged to book via Passenger Assist before travelling.