In the days before the Beeching cuts, Goods Junction was an important location on the Ruabon to Barmouth line. It was the end of the double track section from Ruabon to Llangollen and the beginning of the single line to Barmouth Junction. It also controlled access to Llangollen Station Goods Yard.

On closure, the Junction remained in operation for goods traffic only and was finally pulled up in 1968. The signal box was bulldosed and the area left for nature to take back again.

The plain track was relaid through the Junction by the Llangollen Railway Society between 1975 and 1980. Then, between 1985 and 1988 the junction was reinstated in a simplified form and work commenced on rebuilding the signal box with a view to two train running in 1991. (See Steam at Llangollen Issue 127 for details). Two train running commenced and the junction was a key passing loop for the rebuilt railway. Eventually, it was realised that the layout as it was could be significantly improved and, commencing on 7th November 2011, 2 years planning was put into effect to modify the junction.

PICTURES: Volunteers work to lay a mile of track between 1975 and 1980 to fulfil the requirements for Clwyd County Council to agree the lease on the trackbed. Then  work during 1988 and 1991 to build the Goods Junction Signal Box on its original foundations.

Photos  (c) Dave Southern and Paul Tanner

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