Following a ten-day closure aimed at enhancing the reliability of the line passing through the Severn Tunnel, the railway between Monmouthshire and South Gloucestershire reopened on Monday, 19th June.
Engineers worked tirelessly day and night to install 3.2 kilometres of new track, 5,200 sleepers, and 13,000 tonnes of ballast, making this one of the most challenging projects in our railway's history.
In this article, we delve into the details of the track replacement and the impact on services during the closure.
The worn and corroded track within the Severn Tunnel has been replaced during the project, which involved a collective 17,000 hours of work by dedicated teams.
This upgrade will significantly improve the reliability of journeys and reduce the frequency of emergency repairs, benefiting passengers and train operators alike.
To ensure uninterrupted travel for passengers, Network Rail and train operators devised a diversionary route through Gloucester, with buses replacing trains between Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central. This temporary arrangement allowed passengers to reach their destinations during the closure period.
Originally constructed around 150 years ago, the Severn Tunnel poses unique challenges for maintenance due to its harsh saltwater conditions, which create a corrosive environment.
Typically, tracks last around 25 years, but in this challenging setting, replacement is necessary every ten years. To extend the lifespan of the new sleepers, they have been coated with tin, providing additional protection.
The primary phase of track replacement has been successfully completed, with one more closure scheduled on Sunday, June 25. Following this final phase, the project will conclude, further ensuring the reliability and longevity of the Severn Tunnel's rail infrastructure.
Services on Sunday, June 25:
Passengers travelling between South Wales and England should be aware of the following alterations to services on Sunday, June 25:
Trains travelling between London and South Wales will utilize an alternative route between Swindon and Newport and will not stop at Bristol Parkway.
Trains operating between Cardiff Central and Portsmouth Harbour will run between Bristol Parkway and Portsmouth Harbour instead.
Trains running between Cardiff Central and Taunton/Penzance will operate between Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton/Penzance.
Patchway and Pilning stations will not be served by any trains on this day.
Replacement buses will be available between Bristol Parkway and Newport. Passengers who prefer to avoid rail replacement buses can use their tickets to travel to Gloucester or Cheltenham Spa via CrossCountry or Transport for Wales services.
The recently completed track replacement project within the Severn Tunnel marks a significant milestone in enhancing the reliability of the railway line. The successful completion of this challenging endeavour will benefit both passengers and train operators, ensuring smoother and more reliable journeys.
Here's a look at what track replacement looks like inside the Severn Tunnel
Mark Dix, project manager at Network Rail Wales & Borders, said: “The Severn Tunnel is a vital rail link for passengers and freight between Wales and England – around 32,000 trains travel through the tunnel each year.
“Although working in the 150-year-old-tunnel presents some unique challenges, such as water and corrosion, we are determined to continuously maintain the railway to keep trains running.
“As always, I would like to thank passengers and operators for their patience while we safely carried out this essential work.”
Network Rail should continue on electrifying the South Wales Main Line from Cardiff Central to Swansea and from Didcot Parkway to Oxford to allow the Class 800, Class 802 and Class 387 to run fully electric.