Anglesey Central Railway
| Anglesey Central Railway | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Locale | Wales |
| Continues as | London and North Western Railway |
| Operation | |
| Opened | 16 December 1864 |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 17 3⁄4 miles (28.6 km) |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
Coordinates: 53°24′34″N 4°20′55″W / 53.4095°N 4.3486°W
The Anglesey Central Railway (Welsh: Lein Amlwch, Amlwch Line) was a 17.5 miles (28.2 km) long standard-gauge railway in Anglesey, Wales, connecting the port of Amlwch and the county town of Llangefni with the North Wales Coast Line at Gaerwen. Built as an independent railway, the railway opened in portions from 1864 to 1867. Due to financial troubles the railway was sold to the London and North Western Railway in 1876, which invested significantly in the infrastructure. Operation continued under various companies during the 20th century, but passenger services were withdrawn in 1964 as part of the Beeching Axe. Industrial freight services continued until 1993.
The railway's tracks have been left in situ, and local groups have demonstrated an interest in restoring services (possibly as a heritage railway). The sustainable transport charity Sustrans has proposed to use the route as a cycle path (rail trail). The Welsh Assembly Government, in partnership with Network Rail, commissioned a feasibility study into the reopening of the line, which started in early 2011.
The railway branches off westbound from the North Wales Coast Line at Gaerwen, and turns north-east to descend into Malltraeth Marsh (Welsh: Cors Ddyga), passing below Thomas Telford's A5 and the A55 just before Holland Arms station at Pentre Berw. The Red Wharf Bay branch (now removed) left the line here, as the Amlwch line continues north-west, crossing the River Cefni and approaching Llangefni.
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