Just a quick reminder that the Severn Tunnel between South Wales & England will be closed from tomorrow (Friday 9 June) until Sunday 18 June and on Sunday 25 June too.
This is so Network Rail can replace track that has become worn by the salt water in the tunnel which makes for a corrosive environment. In total 3.2km of track will be replaced, 5,200 new sleepers will be installed and over 14,000 tonnes of ballast (stone) will be put in place. The challenging conditions in the tunnel means track that would normally last 25 years needs to be replaced every 10 years.
Our services between South Wales and London Paddington will run on a diversionary route between Swindon and Newport, not stopping at Bristol Parkway, and adding around an hour to journey times. Rail replacement services will run between Bristol Parkway and Newport.
On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June, the diversionary route via Gloucester is also closed, and there will be no through trains between South Wales and London Paddington. As a result, replacement buses will instead run between Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central. Due to the national shortage of bus drivers, we will have fewer rail replacement services than planned. Our train services between Cardiff and Swansea, Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock will continue to operate. TfW and CrossCountry will continue to operate services between Newport and Gloucester/Cheltenham Spa, and GWR tickets will be valid on these services.
Online journey planners have been updated and we’ll also be making customers aware through at station and on board announcements, station posters, and traditional and social media. More information can also be found on our dedicated webpage at www.gwr.com/SevernTunnel.
