Media centre

Monday 3 Aug 2015

‘Orange army’ enters crucial second stage of electrification work through Bath

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Network Rail’s ‘orange army’ has entered a critical stage of its work to prepare Bath’s railway line for electrification, with work commencing to lower the tracks through Dundas Aqueduct, Bathampton Junction and Sydney Gardens.

Over the last week the team has successfully lowered the main line that runs towards London Paddington through Box Ashley and Middle Hill Tunnel, and is continuing to progress well with lowering the same line through Box Tunnel, having now reached the Corsham end.

All work is on schedule to complete by September 1, with the ‘orange army’ planning to revisit the above locations in a couple of weeks’ time to lower the main line that runs towards the South West.

Andy Haynes, Network Rail’s project director for the west of England, said: “I am pleased to say we continue to be on plan, with some aspects of the work completed ahead of schedule.

“We know this is no time for complacency though, particularly given the crucial stage we are at. Our work through the historic monument that is Dundas Aqueduct requires special measures, which is why we have worked closely with Bath and North East Somerset Council and Historic England to ensure we preserve its historic architecture.”

The second phase of Network Rail’s work requires the closure of the lines between Westbury and Bathampton Junction. This will affect services to Bath from Westbury, Freshford, Avoncliff and Chippenham, with journeys to London from Bath diverted via Bristol Temple Meads station. Passengers will still be able to reach Bath by train, but there will be timetable changes and in some cases replacement bus services in operation.

Andy continued: “I would like to thank passengers and those living close to Bath’s railway line for their continued patience and understanding.

“The completion of this track lowering work will mean the residents of Bath will be a step closer to experiencing the benefits of electrification and the new faster, longer, quieter and greener electric trains.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Further travel information for during the Bath work can be found by visiting First Great Western’s website www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk. Alternatively, National Rail Enquiries also has up-to-date travel advice on their website www.nationalrail.co.uk.