Track replaced in Severn Tunnel

Great Western Railway services between Bristol and South Wales were due to be disrupted by engineering works in the Severn Tunnel between July 1-10 (as this issue of RAIL went to press).

The closure of the route was to enable Network Rail to replace more than two miles of track, sleepers and ballast, and to remove a temporary 50mph speed restriction through the tunnel. Testing was also due to be conducted on the electrical power supply.

GWR services were being diverted between Swindon and Newport via Gloucester instead of Bristol Parkway. Buses replaced trains between Bristol Parkway and Newport.