Rail disruption as Severn Tunnel closes for upgrade

If you're travelling by train to Bristol or beyond from Saturday (23 May), there's going to be some disruption to travel, as Network Rail carries out a major upgrade to the Severn Tunnel.

Network Rail and QTS working at the Severn Tunnel last year

The railway between Newport and Bristol Parkway or Filton Abbey Wood will be closed from Saturday (23 May) until the morning of Tuesday 9 June.

It means:

• Replacement bus services will run between Newport and Bristol Parkway throughout the closure;

• Some trains will run between London and South Wales via Gloucester, except Sunday 24 May;

• A limited service will run between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway, otherwise customers should travel via Bristol Temple Meads;

• On Sunday 24 May, services will operate only between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway, and between Newport and Swansea or Carmarthen

• Train services between South Wales and Bristol will also be affected until midday on Sunday 14 June

The advice is to check your journey at GWR.com before travelling and to allow extra time.

The tunnel, which took 13 years to build, was opened in 1886 - 140 years ago.

Moisture and saltwater have accelerated wear on the overhead power system since electrification, leading to more frequent maintenance and a greater risk of disruption.

Nia Watkins of Network Rail Wales and Borders route said: "Running beneath the Severn Estuary, the 4.35-mile Severn Tunnel is one of the most challenging environments on the UK rail network, making this work essential to maintain safe, reliable services and support its long-term future.

"Using an innovative solution developed by our teams at Network Rail, this complex and highly coordinated upgrade is being delivered at a world-first scale across the tunnel's full length – making the railway more resilient and reducing the risk of future disruption for passengers and freight.

"We recognise this work requires the temporary closure of the railway between Newport and Bristol Parkway, and we're grateful to passengers and local communities for their patience while we carry out these important upgrades."