Trains between Gloucester and Chepstow returned to their usual schedule yesterday (Saturday, 17 May) after Network Rail completed five days of improvement and upgrade work.

The work took place alongside the Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire.

Workers replaced drainage east of the railway tunnel at Newnham-on-Severn in order to make it more resilient. They also replaced seven hundred yards of track near Lydney, which had reached the end of its usable life.

Engineers also carried out work in preparation for upgrading Broken Cross level crossing near Westbury-on-Severn, which is on the route linking the Midlands and South Wales.

Network Rail plans two further periods of work between Gloucester and Chepstow this year, which will involve disruption to services.

The first will see the railway closed from Saturday 26 July, until Saturday 16 August, while engineers carry out the next stage of the Severn Estuary Resilience Programme.

Workers will replace 250 yards of track through Newnham tunnel, and will also make further improvements to drainage. In addition, engineers will carry out work in preparation for upgrading signal equipment, as part of the Gloucester Area Signal Programme.

Workers will carry out the main phase of work for the signal programme between Saturday 27 September, and Sunday 5 October. Trains will not run during this period, and replacement buses will operate between Gloucester, Lydney and Chepstow.

Network Rail launched the Severn Estuary Resilience Programme in 2021, with the aim of improving protection of railway infrastructure from increasingly extreme weather and environmental threats.

The programme has included work to mitigate the danger of landslips, and upgrading a historic bridge over the River Wye at Chepstow.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience as we completed these vital pieces of work to keep trains running safely and reliably for the future.

“Further work to improve the resilience of the railway in the area will take place over the summer, so please make sure to plan ahead if you’re planning to travel over late July and early August.”

Network Rail project manager Tom Hounslow