Weekend rail journeys in Gloucester to be affected by engineering works
Track upgrades planned by Network Rail will affect train services that normally travel via Cheltenham Spa on three successive weekends this month.
Great Western Railway, CrossCountry and Transport for Wales trains will all be affected on the weekends of 6/7, 13/14 and 20/21 May.
Trains will be unable to stop at either Cheltenham Spa or Ashchurch for Tewkesbury stations.
In addition, rail improvement work in the Bromsgrove area will also affect CrossCountry trains between Birmingham New Street and Gloucester.
Buses/coaches are planned to run non-stop every hour between:
- Gloucester and Cheltenham Spa
- Birmingham New Street and Worcestershire Parkway, Cheltenham Spa or Gloucester
In addition, GWR will also operate replacement buses every two hours between Gloucester and Worcester Shrub Hill or Worcester Foregate Street stopping at all stations.
Trains will still run between Oxford and Worcester, Great Malvern or Hereford; but buses replace trains between Oxford and Didcot Parkway until Saturday 10 June.
The track renewals due to take place in the Cheltenham area will help Network Rail ensure the ongoing safety of a key route for rail travellers.
Ben Scott, GWR’s Station Manager for Cheltenham Spa, said:
“These track improvements are part of an ongoing programme of work that will enable us to maintain services for customers travelling through Gloucestershire.
“We’re working with other train companies to provide alternative transport to ensure our customers can still complete their journeys during these weekends.”
Mark Parker, project manager for Network Rail, said:
“As ever, we’re grateful for the patience of the travelling public and of local residents, while this work to upgrade the track takes place.
“Once complete, these track renewals will ensure the continued safe and reliable running of the railway.”
For the latest information, visit GWR.com/Upgrade.
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Notes to editors
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 has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us