A BUSY rail route for Hereford commuters is set to reopen earlier than expected.

Network Rail have announced that repairs to flood damaged track near Pontrilas are progressing better than expected and the Marches line will reopen for the start of service on November 2, two days earlier than expected.

Buses will continue to run between Hereford and Abergavenny in both directions until usual service resumes tomorrow (Saturday).

Last weekend, the line was hit by extreme rain and flooding which resulted in the track foundations at a number of locations being washed away.

Since its closure, Network Rail has had teams onsite working around the clock. 

Extensive work taken place has including the replacement of 500 metres of track, laying 300 tonnes of foundation and 600 tonnes of ballast stones.

Bill Kelly, Network Rail’s route director for Wales and Borders, said: “I would like to thank passengers and all those affected by the closure of the line.

"The severity of the rain and flooding had a devastating impact and washed away enough of the track to make it very dangerous.

"We put in place immediate plans to reopen the railway as efficiently and as safely as we could.

“I would also like to say a special thank you to our teams who worked 24/7 in all weather conditions to reopen this important line ahead of schedule.

"I am also very grateful to our partners at Transport for Wales during these essential works.”

Transport for Wales is reminding passengers to continue to check up to date information before they travel.