Place Bala Grid reference SH 928 362 1 November 1882 Opened Platforms in use 2 | Area Gwynedd Pre-grouping Great Western Railway 18 January 1965 Closed | |
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Original company Bala and Festiniog Railway Similar Arenig railway station, Bala Junction railway st, Tan‑y‑Manod railway station, Maentwrog Road railway st, Trawsfynydd railway station | ||
Bala railway station was on the Great Western Railway's Bala Ffestiniog Line in Wales. It replaced the first Bala station which was further away from the village, on the Ruabon Barmouth Line.
Contents
The route to Blaenau was single track throughout. The stations at Bala, Arenig, Trawsfynydd and Festiniog had two platforms, each with its own track. This both allowed for potential traffic and provided passing loops. A fifth loop was provided between 1908 and 1950 immediately north of Cwm Prysor, when intermittent heavy military traffic to and from Trawsfynydd Camp was likely.
Decline
The line northwards to Blaenau Ffestiniog closed to passengers on 2 January 1960 and to freight on 27 January 1961, following a "Last Train" special a week earlier. The short section to Bala Junction closed on 18 January 1965.
The goods shed was an unusual feature. Local landowner Mr. Price of Rhiwlas objected to the construction of the line, and to appease him the goods shed was built to resemble a castle, with mock battlements and turrets.
There was a small engine shed - a sub-shed of Croes Newydd - to the south east of the station. It opened and closed with the line and was subsequently demolished.
History
The station was opened by the Bala and Festiniog Railway, which was bought by the Great Western Railway in 1910. The station passed to the Western Region of British Railways on nationalisation in 1948. It was closed by the British Transport Commission.
The site today
The station was demolished and a fire station built on the site. The goods yard is now in light industrial use.