Water and salty air inside the tunnel mean the tracks have to be replaced every ten years. 

We go inside the Severn Tunnel as it closes for major renewal work

The Severn Tunnel was temporarily closed on Wednesday evening following an incident in which passengers reported seeing "flames" from the windows.

Passengers report seeing 'flames' outside train before window shatters

Network Rail has released a time lapse video of the work that took place to prepare the Severn Tunnel for electrification


Commuters travelling to Wales faced a challenging first day onboard replacement buses as the Severn Tunnel closed for electrification work.

The 130-year-old Severn Tunnel will close for six weeks from Monday to upgrade it in preparation for a fleet of new electric trains

The 130-year-old tunnel will close from Monday to prepare for a new fleet of electric trains. Rail and road journeys will be affected.


The 130-year-old Severn Tunnel will close for six weeks from mid-September to upgrade it in preparation for rail electrification.