Rail improvements to impact journeys on the North Cotswolds only, this Easter
Track improvement work will see the railway line between Moreton-in-Marsh and Worcester Shrub Hill closed for four days over the Easter weekend, in one of the quietest Easter weekends for engineering work in a decade.
Completion of the North Cotswolds work will ensure the continued use of the railway line for the years ahead by renewing infrastructure that is nearing the end of its design life.
From Friday 15 to Monday 18 April, buses will replace trains between Moreton-in-Marsh and Worcester Foregate Street. Buses will be timed to connect with trains which will continue to run between London Paddington and Moreton-in-Marsh.
GWR Station Manager for the North Cotswolds Billy White said:
“This work is important to ensure we can continue to provide services on what is a vital rail link for the Cotswolds area and we thank customers for their patience in advance.
“We have been working hard to make sure that people can be confident to travel safely, and that includes running as many trains and carriages as we can to make extra room, and replacement buses where trains cannot operate.”
Trains will continue to run elsewhere across the rest of the GWR network as timetabled.
Where buses replace trains, journeys will be extended by about 60 minutes. An alternative route into London through Cheltenham Spa and Swindon will remain open for passengers who may prefer to complete their journey by train. Tickets valid via Evesham (except Advance tickets) will be accepted on this route.
The industry’s Book with Confidence scheme has been extended until the end of September so that customers can change their travel plans up to the evening before departure without being charged a fee, or if they choose not to travel, are able to receive a refund on their unused ticket.
GWR has been providing rail services throughout the pandemic and has worked to ensure that these are as safe as possible. This includes increased cleaning regimes and the use of a virucidal spray; extra staff at key stations to offer help and guidance; and processes in place to help customers maintain a safe distance where possible, such as restricting the number of reservations available.
Stuart Stevens, project manager for Network Rail, said:
“These important track improvements will mean that passengers and freight users will continue to experience safe and reliable journeys in the future, as we work to ensure the longevity of the line.
“I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience; please do check before you travel, as buses will replace trains while this work is carried out.”
For further travel advice and information on the work please visit GWR.com/NorthCotswolds. For details of upcoming engineering work please visit https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/planned-engineering.
Notes to editors
First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR was recently awarded an extension to its direct award franchise (called DA3), which shall run up to 31 March 2023, with an option to extend for a further year.