Network Rail has confirmed train services have resumed normal operation through Bath and Wiltshire following two consecutive weekends of upgrade work across the route. The line reopened as scheduled on the morning of Tuesday, 5 May, with services running as normal between Bath Spa, Chippenham and surrounding areas.

Engineers carried out track renewal, drainage improvements, and a range of maintenance works, all with the intention of improving reliability, safety, and the line’s longevity.

During the planned closures, engineers also installed scaffolding at sites between Bath Spa and Chippenham to enable upcoming restoration work led by Network Rail. This forms part of a broader scheme to conserve two significant railway heritage structures designed by Brunel: the Grade II listed Sydney Gardens footbridge and the eastern entrance to Box Tunnel.

Sydney Gardens footbridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is the last remaining cast-iron footbridge of its type on the Great Western Main Line. Over the next two months, work will include grit-blasting, structural steel and masonry repairs, repainting, and full replacement of the timber deck. The structure will be fully enclosed during the works to protect the surrounding parkland.

Further east, near Corsham, engineers will also carry out repairs and surveys at the Grade II listed eastern portal of Box Tunnel.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience over the past two weekends as we completed essential upgrade and maintenance work in the Bath area, including the replacement of 1.5km of track and installation of 1,200 sleepers and 3,200 tonnes of ballast (track stone).

“This vital work will enable continued safe and reliable train journeys for years to come.”

Dan Parkes, principal portfolio manager for Network Rail.