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Monday 21 Jul 2025

Diversion route and shuttle buses in place as railway bridge work takes place in WIltshire

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

Network Rail has today begun work to improve reliability on a railway bridge in Limpley Stoke, which will affect local traffic and buses.

Repairs will take place to the bridge over Winsley Hill which carries the railway from Bath to Bradford-on-Avon. The work, from Monday 21 July to Sunday 31 August, is needed to ensure rail services can continue to operate over the bridge for decades to come.

New steelwork will be installed on the underside of the bridge to spread the weight of trains running over it. It will be grit-blasted, repainted and anti-collision markings will be added.

For the project to be completed safely and efficiently, no traffic can travel under the railway bridge and a diversion will be clearly signposted. Pedestrian access will remain open, with some exceptions to allow certain tasks to be completed safely.

Buses between Bath and Bradford-on-Avon, via Winsley village, will be diverted and alternative arrangements will be in place.

Network Rail lead portfolio manager Vaheesan Maheswaran said:

“This is our latest piece of work to make sure trains can continue to travel safely and reliably across the hundreds of bridges on the Western route.

“We’re sorry to cause disruption to the local community but our work is essential to keep trains running smoothly and reliably.

“We’ve worked with Wiltshire Council to provide free shuttle bus services throughout the duration of this work. Timetables for these services are available at local bus stops.”

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, Cllr Martin Smith said:

"We understand this closure will cause disruption, but these works are vital for public safety and the continued operation of the railway.

"We've worked closely with Network Rail to ensure alternative travel arrangements are in place, particularly for bus users.

"Throughout the closure, we will be monitoring the effect that this closure has on the local traffic network, particularly in the surrounding villages, and if required we will take appropriate action to mitigate any major traffic issues."

ENDS

Notes to editors

The D1 bus that serves Bath, Winsley and Bradford-on-Avon, can’t run as normal and alternative arrangements are in place. Wiltshire Council, with financial support from Network Rail, will be providing a free shuttle bus service between Winsley village and Bradford-on-Avon.

Daytime buses on Mondays to Saturdays

The shuttle bus will run during the daytime from Monday to Saturday and will be operated by Beeline of Warminster. Passengers travelling to Bath will be able to transfer to the D1 or D1x services at Christchurch in Bradford on Avon, while those travelling to Trowbridge can change at Bradford-on-Avon Town Bridge.  The full timetable for this service will be displayed at local bus stops.

Evening and Sunday Buses

Wiltshire Council has asked First Bus to arrange for existing D1 buses to run to Winsley during evenings and on Sundays but these arrangements are still being finalised. 

For more information about the changes to buses please contact Wilshire Council

ENDS