Network Rail has confirmed it is set to undertake work on the Severn Tunnel that the company says will ‘make the route more reliable for years to come,’ but the route will be impacted from this weekend
Engineering works about to begin(Image: Network Rail)
Train passengers are being urged to check their journeys as “significant” upgrade works are carried out along a major route for a period of more than two weeks.
Network Rail has confirmed it is set to undertake work on the Severn Tunnel that the company says will “make the route more reliable for years to come”. The railway between Newport and Bristol Parkway or Filton Abbey Wood will be closed from Saturday, May 23, until the morning of Tuesday, June 9, with replacement services put in place.
Engineers have developed an innovative new system – being installed at this scale for the first time in the world – that will significantly reduce corrosion along the Severn Tunnel, cut the need for routine maintenance and deliver a more resilient, reliable service for passengers and freight. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
The work also includes track and infrastructure upgrades in the Bristol and Patchway areas, paving the way for train services to the new Bristol Brabazon station which is due to open later this year.
Between May 23 and June 9, replacement bus services will run between Newport and Bristol Parkway. Some trains will operate between London and South Wales via Gloucester, except on Sunday, May 24.
A limited service will run between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway, otherwise customers should travel via Bristol Temple Meads, and on May 24 services will operate only between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway, and between Newport and Swansea or Carmarthen.
Meanwhile, train services between south Wales and Bristol will also be affected until midday on Sunday 14 June.
“We know that bus replacement services are a significant ask of passengers, and we’re genuinely grateful for their patience while this vital work is completed, said Great Western Railway’s station manager at Bristol Parkway, Marcus Deegan.
“The most important thing anyone can do right now is check their journey in advance at GWR.com and allow a little extra time. Our team at Bristol Parkway will be on hand to help.
“This investment will make a real difference to the reliability of this route for many years ahead, and the wider work will also allow us to introduce services to Bristol Brabazon later this year, reconnecting communities to rail and providing a real economic boost to the area.”
Network Rail Wales and Borders route regional asset manager, Nia Watkins, added: “Running beneath the Severn Estuary, the 4.35-mile Severn Tunnel is one of the most challenging environments on the UK rail network, making this work essential to maintain safe, reliable services and support its long-term future.
“Using an innovative solution developed by our teams at Network Rail, this complex and highly coordinated upgrade is being delivered at a world-first scale across the tunnel’s full length – making the railway more resilient and reducing the risk of future disruption for passengers and freight.
“Alongside this, we’re also renewing track that will serve the new Bristol Brabazon station, which will bring passenger services back to the Henbury and Portishead lines for the first time in more than 60 years, supporting local communities and economic growth.
“We recognise this work requires the temporary closure of the railway between Newport and Bristol Parkway, and we’re grateful to passengers and local communities for their patience while we carry out these important upgrades.”
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