Work to upgrade a key section of railway in South Gloucestershire has begun, causing significant changes to train services between Swindon and Bristol Parkway until August. Network Rail confirmed the project, which started this week, will divert trains via Chippenham, adding approximately 25 minutes to journey times.
Work Schedule and Service Changes
The work around Chipping Sodbury tunnel will continue until Sunday, August 2, with additional works scheduled for Saturday 8 and Sunday, August 9. During this period, no trains will travel directly between Swindon and Bristol Parkway. Instead, services will be rerouted through Chippenham. Only one train per hour will operate between London Paddington and South Wales, but more trains will run between London Paddington and Swindon.
Network Rail's portfolio manager, Michael Pinkerton, said: “Our work will help keep trains running smoothly and safely and benefit passengers long into the future. We’ll be working day and night to complete the work, which will also help improve the railway’s resilience to extreme weather.”
Details of the Upgrade
The stretch of railway being upgraded is a critical part of the Great Western mainline, where trains travel at 125mph. East of Chipping Sodbury tunnel, more than 3,000 yards of new rail, sleepers, and ballast will be laid, and drainage channels will be cleared. Soil nails and netting will be installed on cuttings to prevent landslips onto the railway. The tunnel lining will also be repaired.
This work follows last year’s project to raise 200 metres of track by up to 20cm at the western end of the tunnel. Two of the four pumps near the tunnel were also replaced.
Advice for Passengers
Marcus Deegan, GWR’s station manager for Swindon and Bristol Parkway, said: “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.”
Passengers are advised to check their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel.
