Train services resume in Bristol area with track and bridge upgrades completed on time

Train services along the Severn Beach and Filton lines have resumed this morning (Saturday 24 August) after seven days of essential round-the-clock work to renew track and replace a railway bridge. 

Work started with the replacement of a railway bridge over marshland at Chittening, between Avonmouth and Severn Beach, last Saturday (17 August). 

Track and drainage replacements through Lawrence Hill station started on Sunday 18 August, and work began in Montpelier on 19 August, with rails being replaced in the tunnel, as well as the track under Ashley Hill towards Narroways Junction. 

Work continued until the early hours of this morning, with the railway reopened for regular passenger and freight services from just after 5am. 

Direct trains continued to run alongside the work via the main lines, between Bristol Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood, but replacement buses kept passengers moving while the Severn Beach Line and Filton relief lines (serving stations between Bristol Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood) were closed. 

During the seven days, engineers installed almost 900m of track and around 3,800 tonnes of stone. 

Mark Parker, project manager for Network Rail, said:  “Our teams worked around the clock to install new components that will keep passengers moving for years to come along these busy commuter routes. 

“We’d like to thank passengers and residents for their patience while we carried out this essential maintenance to ensure the continued safe and reliable running of the railway in this area.” 

Alex Hills, GWR Station Manager for the Bristol area, said:  

“This work by Network Rail is part of an ongoing programme to help us continue to provide consistent and reliable services. We’re grateful to customers for their patience and understanding over the past week.” 

Notes to editors  

Passengers are being reminded to check before they travel over the bank holiday weekend. 

Follow-up work is taking place inside the Severn Tunnel, after Network Rail’s 16-day track renewal in July.  

Limited buses will run between Bristol Parkway and Severn Tunnel Junction today (Saturday), with a full replacement bus service between Bristol Parkway and Newport tomorrow (Sunday). Trains are due to resume on Monday. 

Further information is available at GWR.com/SevernTunnel