Travelling to Devon and Cornwall this Bank Holiday weekend? Here’s what you need to know
Network Rail will replace a bridge between Newbury and Westbury this weekend which will affect train services through the area.
Between Saturday 4 and Monday 6 May 2019, trains between London Paddington and Devon and Cornwall will be diverted, adding up to 50 minutes to journey times; and departure times will be amended.
In the local area, buses will replace trains between Newbury and Bedwyn, and between Pewsey and Swindon.
GWR Director of Operations Rob Mullen thanked customers in advance for their patience and said:
“This essential bridge replacement work will allow us to continue to operate services through the area, ensuring we can make the most of our new Intercity Express Trains and in the near future deliver more frequent and quicker journeys.”
The upgrade work being carried out by Network Rail is to a bridge west of Newbury at Barnard’s Lock. The bridge replacement is essential to avoid slower line speeds on the route.
Network Rail’s project manager for the scheme Jon Turton said:
“This work is vital to ensure that the bridge will be fit for purpose for decades to come and allows trains to remain at a consistent speed without the need to slow down which would lead to an increase in journey times.
“We know that the railway is 50% quieter during Bank Holidays and have planned for this project to take place during the Early May Bank Holiday so that it can be completed with minimal disruption to passengers.
“We would like to thank passengers for their patience during this essential work.”
Platform widening work will also take place at St Erth station from Tuesday 7 May, affecting branch line journeys between St Erth and Lelant Saltings. Rail services will continue to operate between Lelant Saltings and St Ives.
For more information please visit www.GWR.com/upgrade.
Notes to editors
Great Western Railway (GWR) provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services. We help over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year - across South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, and large parts of Southern England.
We’re currently seeing the biggest investment in the network since Brunel so we can offer more trains, more seats, and shorter, more frequent journeys and continue the network’s heritage of helping connect more businesses to new and prosperous markets. Through a series of initiatives we aim to be a good neighbour to the communities we serve and are committed to making a positive social impact in those regions. Learn how we're Building a Greater West at GWR.com. GWR is a FirstGroup company.