As part of Network Rail’s upgrade plan they are electrifying the railway line from London Paddington to Cardiff. This will help bring passengers quieter, more frequent and more reliable services on a new fleet of trains with Great Western Railway which have more seats and more space.
When will the work take place?
The line between Swindon and Chippenham will be closed for nine days from Friday 8th July. The line will reopen on Monday 17th July.
How will train journeys be affected?
From Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th and Sunday 16th July
Two trains an hour between Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington. One calling at Swindon, Reading, and London Paddington. One calling at Bath Spa, Reading and London Paddington. Buses will replace trains between Bath Spa and Swindon via Chippenham as well as on the Melksham line. Buses will replace trains between Swindon and Chippenham
From Monday 10th until Saturday 15th July
Two trains an hour between Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington
One calling at Swindon, Reading and London Paddington. One calling at Bath Spa, Reading and London Paddington. One train an hour between Bristol Temple Meads and Chippenham. Westbury services via Melksham to Swindon, will start/terminate at Chippenham. Buses will replace trains between Bath Spa and Swindon via Chippenham as well as on the Melksham line. Buses will replace trains between Swindon and Chippenham
National Network Rail Helpline: 03457 11 41 41
What does the work involve?
Lowering the railway track through Dauntsey under two listed bridges. This £3.5m investment by Network Rail will pave the way for the arrival of the new Intercity Express trains being introduced by GWR this autumn. Currently the bridges are far too low for electrification equipment to be installed beneath them. In addition to the track lowering, engineers will be installing a drainage culvert which will help reduce the chance of the line flooding in the future.