Lost railway line next to the River Dee to be transformed
But it was earmarked for closure in 1965 and closed a short time ahead of that in December 1964 due to flood damage. Since then a section has reopened as a heritage line from Llangollen to Corwen but in other areas the tracks were lifted and never returned.
One such section lies between Corwen and Cynwyd. But work is now getting back underway to transform this former line into an active travel route. Work did start last year but had to be halted.
The project is part of investment secured from the last UK Government. Further funding was secured from the Welsh Government's Active Travel Fund, which is in place to reduce the number of short everyday journeys that are undertaken in motor vehicles and to increase levels of active travel.
The project involves upgrading sections of the former railway line that runs adjacent to the B4401, into a shared use walking and cycling route. It also includes the introduction of a new tarmac surface that will ensure the route is accessible throughout the year and the installation of a new uncontrolled pedestrian crossing of the A5 near its junction with the B4401.
Access to the former railway line, for construction, will now be through the adopted highway in Cynwyd, and the footpath will be closed along the old railway line during the construction phase, with signage and traffic management put in place. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
Two-way signals will be placed on the carriageway near to Pont Dyfrdwy over the river Dee for the start of the works and will be reviewed as the project progresses. Following a delay in progress the works undertaken by G.H.James Cyf will now begin in June and will last approximately 30 weeks.
Councillor Jason McLellan, Denbighshire council leader and lead member for economic growth and tackling deprivation, said: 'The introduction of a new active travel route is a welcoming addition to Corwen and Cynwyd. These works will not only improve the accessibility of the site for users but also preserve the environmental and ecological importance of the route. This was fundamental during the designs process and has resulted in favouring environmentally friendly methods, such as the use of non-dig construction to complete the project.
'I'd like to thank Councillors Alan Hughes and Gwyneth Ellis, for their continued support in enabling us to work collaboratively with the community, to provide a project that will benefit everyone in the near future. We understand that this is a popular route and appreciate our resident's patience during this period.'
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