Passengers are advised to check their journeys between Gloucester and Chepstow ahead of essential engineering work in May.
From Monday 12 to Friday 16 May (inclusive), Network Rail will be working in several locations to help maintain a safe and reliable railway for years to come.
At Newnham-on-Severn, work will take place in the railway tunnel to replace the drainage system and clean the stone. Near Lydney, 700 yards of track that’s reached the end of its working life will be replaced. Preparation will also take place to install new equipment at Broken Cross level crossing near Westbury-on-Severn later this year.
So the work can be completed safely and efficiently, the railway will be temporarily closed between Gloucester and Chepstow with buses replacing trains. Transport for Wales trains from Cardiff will terminate at Chepstow and CrossCountry trains from Nottingham will terminate at Gloucester.
Passengers can plan their journeys either by visiting CrossCountry or Transport for Wales’ websites or using National Rail Enquiries.
Network Rail Project Manager Tom Hounslow said: “We’re sorry for the disruption, but this work is vital to keeping the railway in good condition and ensuring smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers for years to come.
“Services will be altered while this work takes place so please make sure to check your journey before you travel, either with your train operator or using National Rail Enquiries.”
CrossCountry Regional Director Bethan Jelfs commented: “We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while these works take place. While we don’t like to disrupt anyone’s journey, these works are important to ensure the long-term future of services on this route.”
Image credit: Network Rail