07-07-2025
Disruption as railway between Swindon and Bristol Parkway closed
Rail passengers are set to face delays as flood prevention work begins.
The line was closed on Monday, July 7 between Swindon and Bristol Parkway, with trains being diverted via Chippenham and Bath.
The BBC has reported that Network Rail is working alongside the Environment Agency, South Gloucestershire Council, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and Wessex Water to find long-term solutions to flooding.
The project will see 200m (656ft) of track raised by 20cm (7.8in) at the western end of the tunnel with overhead cables adjusted accordingly.
Drainage channels will also be dredged throughout the tunnel to allow more water to be collected.
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Two water removal pumps are being replaced at the western end of the tunnel, and surveys and design work carried out for future replacement of two pumps at the eastern end of the tunnel.
Network Rail project manager George Barratt said the work will "help improve reliability and make the railway more resilient".
He continued: "This is definitely a project to make the line more future-proof. We're not necessarily trying to stop flooding, we're trying to keep passengers and freight moving more often."
Work is set to last until July 13.
