Network Rail will complete essential engineering work on the Golden Valley line later this month that will impact passengers between Swindon and Gloucester.
Work will take place in several areas along the line from Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 August.
Rail, sleepers and ballast will be replaced at two sites between Swindon and Kemble and Black Dog bridge will be repaired. The bridge, one of a number being strengthened in the West, carries the railway over the B496 between Purton and Minety.
Maintenance will take place to ensure Sapperton tunnel, built in 1845, continues to be fit for a 21st century railway. And equipment will be installed to monitor the line from the threat of landslips.
While the work takes place, the railway will be temporarily closed between Swindon and Gloucester. Buses will replace GWR trains between Swindon, Kemble, Stroud, Stonehouse and Gloucester.
Network Rail lead portfolio manager Mark Parker said: “We’re sorry to temporarily close the railway but we’re making full use of the opportunity to complete several key pieces of work.
“When complete, it will help make sure trains can continue to travel between Swindon and Gloucester safely and smoothly.”
GWR station manager for Cheltenham Spa and Gloucester Chloe Coglan said: “This investment forms part of a programme of work, helping to ensure we continue to provide consistent and reliable services.
“GWR will be providing replacement road transport between Gloucester and Stroud, Stonehouse, Kemble or Swindon.
“Trains still run between Swindon and London Paddington, plus some direct trains will run between Cheltenham Spa, Gloucester and London Paddington via Bristol Parkway.
“In addition, other train services will also be running between Cheltenham Spa or Gloucester and Bristol Parkway for connections towards London.
“It’s important that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”
Image credit: Network Rail
