Rail passengers travelling between Swindon and Bristol Parkway are being advised to plan their journeys in advance as Network Rail prepares to carry out critical flood resilience works in July.

From Monday 7 July to Sunday 13 July, engineers will work around the clock in and around Chipping Sodbury tunnel to help reduce the impact of flooding on this key section of the rail network. The line will be closed between Swindon and Bristol Parkway for the duration of the work.

The project includes raising 200 metres of track by 20 centimetres at the tunnel’s western end, alongside adjustments to the overhead electric wires. Drainage channels throughout the tunnel will also be dredged to allow for better water flow.

-- Advertisement --

Additionally, two pumps that remove water from the western end of the tunnel will be replaced, while surveys and design work will begin to prepare for the future replacement of two pumps at the eastern end.

During the closure, train services will divert via Chippenham and Bath, resulting in longer journey times. To help manage the disruption, extra peak-time trains will run between London Paddington and Swindon.

Further disruption is expected on Sunday 20 July, when follow-up works will impact services between London and South Wales, with trains diverted and running longer than usual.

Passengers are encouraged to check their travel plans via nationalrail.co.uk or GWR.com.

George Barratt, Network Rail project manager, said: "It's important passengers check their journeys in advance whilst we undertake this vital work to mitigate the impacts of flooding on the railway, as trains between Swindon and Bristol Parkway will take longer than usual, and there will be fewer services operating between south Wales and London.

"As part of our ongoing scheme to alleviate the impacts of flooding in the area, this work will help improve reliability and make the railway more resilient."