A significant project involving a four-mile tunnel will lead to the temporary closure of a railway section connecting two cities. Commuters are urged to plan their travels in advance as Network Rail embarks on a major upgrade at the Severn Tunnel from May 23 to June 9.
Network Rail, in collaboration with contractor ARQ, will revamp the tunnel’s overhead power system to enhance its resilience in the tough and corrosive environment of the Severn Tunnel. Nia Watkins, Regional Asset Manager for Network Rail’s Wales and Borders route, emphasized the importance of these works in ensuring the safety and reliability of services and securing the tunnel’s future.
According to Ms. Watkins, this intricate and well-coordinated upgrade, conducted on an unprecedented scale along the entire tunnel length, aims to increase railway resilience and minimize potential disruptions for passengers and freight operations.
The Severn Tunnel, known as one of the most challenging rail environments in the UK due to its exposure to moisture and saltwater, has accelerated the degradation of equipment since electrification, leading to electrical wear and corrosion vulnerabilities.
To combat these issues, Network Rail’s Wales and Borders team will install a single 7km copper contact wire supported by modified bridge arms to combat corrosion effectively. This innovative system, spanning the entire tunnel length, includes 838 bridge arms, 9,000 meters of replaced wiring, and various infrastructure enhancements.
In conjunction with the tunnel upgrade, Network Rail is also replacing track sections serving the new Bristol Brabazon station, which will reinstate passenger services on the Henbury and Portishead lines after a hiatus since 1964. Consequently, the railway between Newport and Bristol Parkway will undergo a temporary closure.
During the closure from May 23 to June 8, replacement bus services will operate between Newport and Bristol Parkway, while selected trains will run between London and South Wales via Gloucester, except on May 24. There will be a reduced service between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway.
On May 24, trains will not be redirected via Gloucester, running solely between Paddington and Bristol Parkway, as well as Newport and Swansea.
Marcus Deegan, GWR’s Station Manager at Bristol Parkway, expressed gratitude for passengers’ patience during the essential works, highlighting the long-term benefits in terms of route reliability and resilience. The upgrades will also pave the way for the introduction of train services to Bristol Brabazon later this year, followed by services to Portishead and Pill, reestablishing vital rail connections and stimulating economic growth in the region.
