Transport for Wales (TfW) is looking at installing an underfloor wheel lathe at the Holyhead depot in an investment to help improve the availability of trains.
The main wheel lathe for TfW trains is based at the Canton depot in Cardiff.
They are essential for repairing damaged wheels and maximising the availability of trains throughout autumn when fallen leaves impact lines.
READ MORE: Will the tourism tax be 'catastrophic' and 'decimate' the tourism sector
Slippery rails in autumn can cause wheels to slip or slide, resulting in small dents. The steel wheels must be reprofiled on a lathe to prevent damage to track.
The work takes trains temporarily out of service, with passengers potentially suffering cancellations or trains formed of fewer coaches than usual.
The TfW board has discussed a proposal to install a new underfloor wheel lathe at Holyhead depot, which was chosen as the most suitable location,
It agreed with the case for a facility in North Wales and will now develop a commercial strategy for purchasing the wheel lathe and to ensure the funding is in place for the purchase.
A Transport for Wales spokesperson said: “The proposals for a wheel lathe at Holyhead are at a very early stage and we are now exploring if the project is commercially viable.”
