Network Rail will carry out essential upgrades in the Severn Tunnel between South Wales and Bristol during July and August 2022.
Throughout the work, more than two miles of track, sleepers and ballast will be replaced to make journeys through the tunnel quicker and more reliable. The tunnel’s electric power supply will also be tested to ensure electric trains can operate efficiently.
These upgrades will enable the temporary 50mph speed restriction through the Severn Tunnel to be removed.
“The Severn Tunnel is a vital rail link for passengers travelling between Wales and England, so it is extremely important that we invest in its future. Once this work is finished, passengers travelling via Bristol Parkway will experience fewer delays with much more reliable journeys.”
The track maintenance work will affect Great Western Railway services from Friday 1 to Sunday 10 July. In addition, follow-up engineering work will affect trains between Bristol and South Wales on 17 July and the 14 August.
“The work inside the Severn Tunnel will support our train service in Wales, especially those trains running under electric power serving Cardiff Central and Newport. We will divert long-distance trains via an alternative route and provide road transport between Newport and Bristol Parkway to ensure customers can complete their journeys.”
