A major railway upgrade project will cause a temporary closure of a section of railway line spanning two cities to facilitate significant works on a four-mile tunnel. Network Rail is set to commence the overhaul of the Severn Tunnel’s overhead power system from May 23 to June 9, advising rail passengers to plan their journeys accordingly.
The rail network operator, in collaboration with contractor ARQ, aims to enhance the tunnel’s power system to withstand its harsh and corrosive environment beneath the Severn Estuary. Nia Watkins, Regional Asset Manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders route, emphasized the importance of these works in ensuring the safety, reliability, and long-term sustainability of the tunnel.
Describing the Severn Tunnel as one of the most challenging railway environments in the UK due to its moisture and saltwater exposure, Network Rail highlighted the accelerated deterioration of equipment since electrification. To combat this, the Wales and Borders team will implement a groundbreaking upgrade, deploying a single 7km copper contact wire supported by modified bridge arms to prevent corrosion along the tunnel’s length.
In addition to the tunnel improvements, Network Rail confirmed the replacement of track serving the new Bristol Brabazon station, which will reintroduce passenger services on the Henbury and Portishead lines for the first time in over five decades. Consequently, the railway between Newport and Bristol Parkway will be temporarily closed from May 23 to June 8, with services expected to resume on June 9.
During the closure period, replacement bus services will operate between Newport and Bristol Parkway, while some trains will be rerouted between London and South Wales via Gloucester, except on May 24. Passengers can anticipate a reduced service between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway, with services between Paddington and Bristol Parkway, as well as Newport and Swansea, uninterrupted on May 24.
GWR’s Station Manager at Bristol Parkway, Marcus Deegan, acknowledged the inconvenience of bus replacement services but highlighted the long-term benefits of the Severn Tunnel improvements for route reliability and resilience. The broader railway enhancements will pave the way for the introduction of train services to Bristol Brabazon and, eventually, to Portishead and Pill, fostering economic growth and reconnecting communities through improved rail connectivity.