Trains are running as normal between Gloucester and Bristol this morning after Network Rail successfully delivered a series of upgrades over the bank holiday weekend.
Work took place at several locations while the railway was temporarily closed. 600 yards of track was replaced near Gloucester and Wickwar tunnel was strengthened to improve reliability. A footbridge was replaced near Stonehouse and new drainage installed at Charfield in preparation for a new station to be built.
Maintenance teams also compacted ballast (track stone) in several areas to ensure the track remains stable when trains run over it and platforms at Gloucester station were repaired to ensure they remain fully accessible.
Work now continues in the area over the next two weekends. On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May buses replace some trains between Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon and Bristol.
Then on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May, further work takes place between Gloucester and Worcester. Maintenance to points and track equipment will take place at Ashchurch and ballast will be compacted in the Worcester area.
On this weekend, buses replace some trains between Gloucester, Cheltenham Spa, Worcester Foregate Street, Birmingham New Street, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire Parkway and Great Malvern. Passengers are urged to check before you travel by visiting National Rail Enquiries or their train operator’s website.
Network Rail Lead Portfolio Manager Mark Parker said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience over the long weekend as we delivered a series of important upgrades between Gloucester and Bristol.
“Trains are back up and running as normal but services will be impacted by further work in the area over the next two weekends, so please make sure to plan your journey in advance.”
Image credit: Network Rail
