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Wales Online
07-07-2025
- Wales Online
Significant disruption ahead for train passengers as railway lines to close for three weeks
Significant disruption ahead for train passengers as railway lines to close for three weeks Rail replacement buses will be running but passengers are being warned that their journeys could take longer while essential maintenance work is carried out No trains will run through the Severn Estuary for three weeks from the end of July (Image: Matthew Horwood ) Rail passengers are being warned they will face significant disruption due to essential maintenance being carried out on a railway line which runs through south Wales. Due to the work, all railway lines through the Severn Estuary will be shut for three weeks from the end of July. Network Rail have confirmed that no trains will run between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction from Sunday, July 27 until Sunday, August 17. Some services will be replaced by buses while the line is closed to allow engineers to work safely. The improvement works will stabilise the slopes beside the tracks, with nearly 7,600 grouted rock anchors and netting over 32,000 square metres. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . The track will be renewed near Newnham Tunnel and signal and other infrastructure improvements will be made as part of the Gloucester Area Signalling Project (GASP). Vegetation management, platform line painting and litter clearance activities will also take place at Chepstow and Lydney stations. The work is part of the Severn Estuary Resilience Programme which aims to improve the reliability of services in the area which is "prone to extreme weather and coastal erosion" Article continues below Replacement bus services Replacement bus services will be provided for some services as follows: On CrossCountry services, buses will replace trains between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction via Lydney and Chepstow. On Transport for Wales services, buses will run between Cheltenham Spa/Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction via Lydney and Chepstow. Passengers are advised to check before they travel, as journey times could be extended. Online journey planners will be updated ahead of the works, and station staff will be available to assist passengers. Check the latest travel information at Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail (Wales and Borders) said: 'These works are part of the wider Severn Estuary Resilience Programme (SERP), a program designed to protect the railway lines in the area which - owing to its geography, geology and a changing climate – is especially prone to extreme weather and coastal erosion.' Article continues below 'We have chosen this time of year so that it minimises the number of passengers and freight hauliers impacted by this essential work, while keeping our teams undertaking the work safe.' 'This latest stage continues our commitment to improve the long-term safety and reliability in an area historically prone to landslips.'
Wales Online
23-04-2025
- Wales Online
Buses to replace trains for more than two weeks as work takes place on Heart of Wales line
Buses to replace trains for more than two weeks as work takes place on Heart of Wales line The works will be carried out during May which Network Rail has said will mean less disruption to passengers and people living near the line in future Works will take place on the Heart of Wales line (Image: Network Rail ) Network Rail will be carrying out essential maintenance work on the Heart of Wales line next month. It will affect the area between Llanwrtyd and Pantyffynnon, and will take place from Tuesday, May 6, to Friday, May 23. Teams "are working hard to complete lots of tasks" during the closure, according to Network Rail, which means less disruption to travelling passengers and homes nearby in the future. The work will see engineering teams installing a new cattle grid, as well as undertaking important bridge and river defence wall repairs. The planned works will also include management of trees, plants and hedges to maintain visibility for train drivers and prevent obstructions to signals. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Article continues below Drainage improvements will also reduce the risk of flooding during severe weather, Network Rail has said. Graffiti and fly-tipping along the stretch of track will also be removed. A statement from Network Rail read: "This investment is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and reliable railway. "The track maintenance and infrastructure repairs will support smoother, safer, journeys for passengers. "To allow this work to be carried out safely, buses will replace trains between Carmarthen and Swansea to Llandrindod for the duration of the project, so please allow extra time for journeys." Route director, Nick Millington, said: 'We'd like to thank passengers and local communities for their patience and understanding while we carry out this vital work on the Heart of Wales line.' Passengers can check the latest information on the Transport for Wales website by clicking here. The Heart of Wales Line is a spectacular 121 mile rural railway between Swansea and Shrewsbury via the rural uplands of Carmarthenshire, Powys and Shropshire. The seven days/week train service is operated by Transport for Wales. Much loved by daytrippers and walkers, the line also provides a vital transport link for lively rural communities and towns across Mid Wales and the Borders. The Heart of Wales Line links to major and urban routes across the UK Network via Crewe, Shrewsbury, Craven Arms, Llanelli, Swansea and Cardiff. Article continues below
