A major railway upgrade project on a four-mile tunnel will lead to the temporary closure of a section of the railway line connecting two cities. Network Rail has announced that the Severn Tunnel will undergo extensive maintenance from May 23 to June 9, urging passengers to plan their journeys accordingly.
Network Rail, in collaboration with contractor ARQ, will enhance the tunnel’s overhead power system to withstand its challenging and corrosive environment beneath the Severn Estuary. Nia Watkins, Regional Asset Manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders route, emphasized the importance of these works in ensuring the safety and reliability of services, as well as securing the tunnel’s future.
Described as one of the most demanding environments on the UK rail network, the Severn Tunnel poses challenges due to moisture and saltwater, accelerating equipment deterioration. To address this, Network Rail’s Wales and Borders team will implement a groundbreaking upgrade involving a new 7km copper contact wire system supported by modified bridge arms to combat corrosion effectively.
The project includes the installation of 838 bridge arms to support electrical cables, the replacement of 9,000 meters of wiring, and other infrastructure enhancements along the entire length of the tunnel. Concurrently, Network Rail will replace tracks serving the new Bristol Brabazon station, marking the return of passenger services on the Henbury and Portishead lines after 1964.
During the upgrade period, the railway between Newport and Bristol Parkway will be closed from May 23 to June 8, with services expected to resume on June 9. Replacement bus services will operate between Newport and Bristol Parkway, while some trains will be rerouted via Gloucester, except on May 24 when a reduced service will run between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway.
Marcus Deegan, GWR’s Station Manager at Bristol Parkway, acknowledged the inconvenience of bus replacements but highlighted the long-term benefits of the tunnel improvements for route reliability. This comprehensive project will not only enhance connectivity but also pave the way for the introduction of train services to Bristol Brabazon, Portishead, and Pill, stimulating economic growth in the region.
