Major track improvements: Buses replace trains between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction / Newport via Chepstow from Sunday 27 July until Saturday 16 August 

Route(s) affected

CrossCountry between Nottingham / Derby / Birmingham New Street and Cardiff Central

Transport for Wales between Cheltenham Spa / Gloucester and Cardiff Central

Description

Engineering work is taking place between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction, closing all lines from 00:40 on Sunday 27 July until the end of the day on Saturday 16 August. Background information on the work can be found below.

CrossCountry

Buses (provided by Transport for Wales) will replace trains between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction / Newport via Lydney / Chepstow.

CrossCountry are advising that, if your journey involves travelling between the Midlands and South Wales, you may wish to travel on CrossCountry trains between Birmingham New Street and Bristol Parkway and change trains at Bristol Parkway onto an alternative service to or from South Wales.

Transport for Wales

Until Sunday 9 August:

Buses will replace trains between Cheltenham Spa / Gloucester and Newport via Lydney / Chepstow.

From Monday 10 August:

Buses will replace trains between Cheltenham Spa / Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction via Lydney / Chepstow.

Background information:

Network Rail will be carrying out essential engineering work which will close the railway between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction through the Severn Estuary for 3 weeks. This major work includes:

• Stabilisation of the slopes beside the tracks, with nearly 7,600 grouted rock anchors and over 32,000 square metres of netting

• Track renewal and drainage improvements near Newnham Tunnel (between Gloucester and Lydney)

• Vegetation management, platform line painting, and litter clearance activities at Chepstow and Lydney stations

• Signal upgrades and other infrastructure improvements under the Gloucester Area Signalling Project

More information on this project is available on the Network Rail website.

Check before you travel:

You can plan your journey using the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner

Replacement Bus Travel Advice:

For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.

You can find the pick-up and set-down location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.

Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.