'Plan ahead' advice as Severn Tunnel closes for six weeks
Drivers and commuters are being urged to plan ahead as the Severn Tunnel closes for six weeks.
The closure of the 130-year-old tunnel will allow engineers to install over eight miles of electrical equipment, to power a new fleet of electric trains.
It's thought journey times could increase by around 35 minutes.
Two hundred engineers are expected to be working on the tunnel as part of Network Rail's upgrade.
The company says the new trains will mean more seats and faster, more reliable journeys for passengers.
Services will be diverted between Swindon and Newport until Friday 21st October, increasing journey times by around 35 minutes.
Amid concerns that there will be significant disruptions to commuters, the Secretary of State for Wales has emphasised the importance of keeping the country connected to other parts of the UK during the closure.
As part of that, extra flights have been put on between Cardiff and London City Airport.
Airline Flybe will operate four flights on weekdays and two on weekends, getting passengers into London's docklands within an hour.
Read more: Airline launches Cardiff to London flights
The Economy Secretary for the Welsh Government, Ken Skates, has welcomed the new flights.
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
Read more here.