Bristol Temple Meads set for platform upgrades to accommodate new trains

Monday 26 Jun 2017

Bristol Temple Meads set for platform upgrades to accommodate new trains

Region & Route:: Wales & Western: Western; | Wales & Western

Two platforms at Bristol Temple Meads will be extended this summer in preparation for a new fleet of diesel-electric Intercity Express Trains, which will provide more seats, better on-board facilities and more comfortable journeys for passengers.

Great Western Railway (GWR)’s new fleet of trains are longer than the existing High Speed Trains and will require additional platform length to allow passengers to get on and off the trains safely.

These new trains will begin to come into service this autumn.

This work will fit alongside other improvement work taking place at Temple Meads as part of Network Rail's Railway Upgrade Plan, including signalling renewals and the installation of new lighting.

To extend the platforms, the existing ramp will be demolished during the last week of June and the first week of July. This will take place overnight in order to minimise disruption for passengers.

Platform extension works will also take place overnight over a three-week period from the last weekend of July until mid-August.

Services will not run from platforms 13 and 15 on the four Sundays between 30 July and 20 August, so passengers are advised to check the departures boards at the station for updated platform information on arrival at Bristol Temple Meads.

Michelle Scogings, Senior Programme Development Manager for Network Rail, said: “I would like to thank passengers in advance for their patience as we undertake this work to accommodate the new fleet of Intercity Express Trains at Bristol Temple Meads as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.

“We have worked closely with our colleagues at GWR to ensure that the impact on local residents and passengers from this work will be minimal.

“Passengers will see the benefits from this work in the autumn as the new trains come into service, providing a vital capacity boost, as well as more space for passengers and their luggage.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Platform extension works will take place on platform 13 & 15 at Bristol Temple Meads between:

Sat 29 July to Mon 31 July *
Mon 31 July to Fri 4 August
Sat 5 August to Mon 7 August*
Mon 7 August to Fri 11 August
Sat 12 August to Mon 14 August*
Mon 14 August to Fri 18 August
Sat 19 August to Mon 21 August*

*27hr weekends, all others are mid-week nights only

Work will take place between the hours of 10.00pm and 5.00am on weekends and 11.00pm and 5.00am on week day nights.

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