storm surge damage

My first visit to the north end of Barmouth prom since the recent storm surge enabled me to see at first hand the shocking damage that had been caused to the sea defences and Cambrian Coast Railway line.

A deep hole scoured by the powerful sea has left this road sign at an odd angle, and the sleepers are partly hanging over the gaping pit which has partly swallowed up the minor road.

The line itself heading north from here is covered in stones washed up from the beach, the fence has been more or less laid flat by the pounding it received, and is hardly visible any more.

In the past such damage would have meant the closure of the line, but trains should be running into Barmouth by mid February, and on this section of track again by May.