Yesterday Network Rail area general manager Andrew Skidmore was confident the line would be re-opened in weeks. "The south site was not as badly damaged as the north site. Works that were put in place last year when it was damaged by floods have certainly limited damage. "There will also be further tests to make sure the line is okay before it is opened. "The work is nearing completion. We are hoping the line will open on March 7 and are doing everything to get it open by then." Mr Skidmore hopes repairs to the north site will stand the area in good stead if floods strike again. Arriva Trains is running replacement buses between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Politicians are also hopeful further European Union cash can shore up North Wales flood defences. Following some of the worst flooding in more than 400 years in February last year, thousands of tonnes of ballast was washed from under the track. It was left suspended in the air and two miles of embankment was lost. Work took almost four months and nearly £5m to get the line back in operation. | 
