'Plan ahead' advice ahead of Severn Tunnel closure

Preparatory work has been carried out. Credit: Network Rail

Rail passengers are being urged to plan their journeys because the Severn Tunnel will be closed for six weeks from Monday.

Services will be diverted between Swindon and Newport until Friday, 21 October, increasing journey times by around 35 minutes.

During the six week closure engineers will install over eight miles of electrical equipment which will power a new fleet of electric trains.

How will my journey be affected?

  • One service an hour between Paddington, Newport and Cardiff/Swansea (not calling at Bristol parkway)

  • One service an hour between Paddington and Bristol Parkway.

  • Replacement buses will run between Severn Tunnel Junction and Bristol Parkway, and between Bristol Parkway and Newport.

  • Journey times involving a replacement bus are likely to be extended by approximately 45 min

There is more in formation here.