Passengers using the Great Western Railway (GWR) services will have to face disruptions over the next few weeks, as the Severn Tunnel will be closed for essential repairs.
The work will take place between July 1st and 10th, as well as from July 17th to August 14th, Railway News reported.
During this time, more than two miles of track, ballast and sleepers will be removed and replaced, while tests will be carried out on the tunnel’s electric power to ensure electric trains can function effectively.
Once the upgrades have taken place, the temporary 50 miles per hour speed limit restriction through the Severn Tunnel will be axed, and journeys will be quicker.
Project manager at Network Rail Mark Dix said the tunnel is a “vital rail link” between Wales and England.
“Once this work is finished, passengers travelling via Bristol Parkway will experience fewer delays with much more reliable journeys,” he stated.
During the repairs, passengers will be able to use replacement services instead, including buses between Bristol Parkway and Newport, and alternative rail routes between Swindon and Newport.
GWR’s customer service manager for South Wales David Bailey added that this work will “support our train service in Wales”, particularly the electric rail between Cardiff Central and Newport.
The Severn Tunnel has a history that spans nearly 150 years, with construction commencing on the structure as long ago as 1873. Regular passenger services began just three years later in 1886.
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