Network Rail is preparing for major railway upgrades around the Chipping Sodbury tunnel, which are set to begin in July, with Network Rail also inviting residents to learn more about the scheme at a public drop-in event.
Engineering work will take place continuously from 6 July to 2 August, with further activity on 8 and 9 August. The programme includes track renewal, drainage improvements, cutting stabilisation and repairs to the tunnel lining.
A community information session will be held at Trinity School in Acton Turville on 10 June between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
The work affects a key section of the Great Western Main Line. No direct trains will run between Swindon and Bristol Parkway during the project, with services diverted via Chippenham, adding around 25 minutes to journeys. One train per hour will operate between London Paddington and South Wales.
“The work planned will help maintain train services between London and South Wales using the Chipping Sodbury tunnel for years to come. Rail replacement transport is not planned as trains will still operate between Swindon and Bristol Parkway, however these will be reduced. It’s important customers are aware and plan ahead as these alternative travel arrangements will make their usual journey times longer.”
Marcus Deegan, GWR’s station manager for Swindon and Bristol Parkway.
Responses
Unbelievable in that Network Rail have just had a 17 day closure of the Seven Tunnel with trains on Diversion from Swindon via Gloucester so not actually running through Chipping Sodbury. And now the same organisation wants to closure the route through Chipping Sodbury on a later date .