11-Day Severn Tunnel Closure: Travel Disruptions Expected for South Wales Commuters

An essential 11-day track renewal project in the Severn Tunnel is set to commence on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, and will continue until Thursday, July 18, 2024. This major engineering work, aimed at replacing all 4.3 miles of track in the Wales-bound direction, is expected to cause significant travel disruptions for passengers traveling between South Wales and England.

During this period, all passenger and freight services through the Severn Tunnel will be suspended. Network Rail engineers will be working around the clock to replace the track, which has deteriorated due to the corrosive environment inside the 138-year-old tunnel. The £10 million project involves removing 21,000 tonnes of spoil, laying almost 11,000 new sleepers, installing 66 new 216-metre-long rails, and adding 22,000 tonnes of new ballast.

To mitigate the impact on travelers, alternative arrangements have been made. Great Western Railway (GWR) services between London Paddington and Cardiff Central/Swansea/Carmarthen will be diverted through Gloucester, bypassing Bristol Parkway. Journey times will be extended, and trains will be retimed to run earlier or later than usual. Limited rail-replacement bus services will operate between Bristol Parkway and Severn Tunnel Junction during peak times. However, passengers are advised that these buses will not stop at Bristol Parkway and will only pick up or drop off passengers at specific points.

For those traveling between Bristol Parkway and South Wales, it is recommended to use local bus services, as rail tickets will be accepted on these services. At Patchway, buses towards Bristol will stop to set customers down only, while buses from Bristol will stop to pick up customers only. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra time for travel.

This track renewal project is part of Network Rail’s ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade the UK’s rail infrastructure. While the temporary closure of the Severn Tunnel may cause inconvenience, the long-term benefits of improved rail services and safety are expected to outweigh the short-term disruptions.

Passengers are encouraged to check the National Rail Enquiries website or contact their train operators for the latest information on service changes and travel advice during the Severn Tunnel closure.