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Wednesday 11 Mar 2026

Majority of railway in the south west open for Easter getaway, but some journeys altered as upgrade work takes place

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

Most rail services on the Great Western network will be running as normal over the forthcoming Easter bank holiday weekend, though some journeys will change as Network Rail carries out important upgrade work.

Over the long weekend, engineers will be installing new track at East Somerset Junction near Frome to help make journeys smoother and more reliable in future.

Replacement buses will run between Westbury and Frome/Castle Cary, Taunton and Castle Cary, and Swindon and Pewsey from 6pm on Good Friday (3 April). All work is due to be completed in time for trains to resume as normal from the start of service on Easter Monday (6 April).

Whilst the railway is shut, Network Rail engineers will also use the opportunity to carry out track and signal maintenance work in the area, along with essential vegetation management.

Trains between London Paddington and Plymouth or Penzance will take a different route between Reading and Taunton, with some services stopping at Swindon. Trains will continue to run between Reading and Bedwyn, though no trains will stop at Pewsey.

GWR services will also run between Weymouth and Castle Cary, and between Bristol Temple Meads and Westbury after 6pm on Good Friday.

Mark Parker, lead portfolio manager for Network Rail, said:

“Most of the Western route will be open as usual this Easter, but we do have some important upgrades to carry out which will affect passengers on some routes.

“To keep people moving while this work takes place, replacement buses will be running on some routes, and journeys may take a little longer than normal as a result.

“We’re doing this work now so passengers can enjoy more reliable journeys in the months and years ahead.

“I’d encourage everyone travelling over the bank holiday weekend to check their journey before setting off.”

GWR’s Station Manager for the Westbury area, Jordan Welsby, said:

“This track upgrade work will impact all train services that normally run via Castle Cary from 1800 on Good Friday through to Easter Sunday.

“Trains will continue to operate between London Paddington and Plymouth or Penzance by using an alternative route via Swindon instead.

“Trains will still run between Cardiff Central and Portsmouth Harbour via Westbury, plus between Castle Cary and Weymouth, as well as between Bedwyn and Reading.

“Replacement road transport will be provided between Westbury and Castle Cary, plus between Castle Cary and Taunton, as well as between Pewsey and Swindon.

“It’s important that customers are aware that these alternative travel arrangements could make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”

To plan your journey, visit: GWR.com 

ENDS