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Friday 1 Apr 2005

PASSENGERS ADVISED OF CHANGES TO SOUTH WALES SERVICES

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Passengers travelling between South Wales and England over the next three weeks are advised to check their journey details before travelling as a result of the closure of the Patchway Tunnel in Bristol for essential engineering works. The tunnel will be closed between Sunday 3 April – Sunday 24 April, inclusive of weekdays. A new drainage system will be installed and track renewed in the tunnel that runs from London to Cardiff (down-line) and the existing drainage system in the tunnel that runs from Cardiff to London (up-line) will also be improved.  Peter Leppard, Network Rail’s Acting Western Route Director, said:  “It is necessary to carry out these works to maintain the safe running of the railway.  The tunnels have historically had drainage problems, often leading to delays and cancellations for passengers in the past.” Changes include:

• First Great Western services between Swansea and London Paddington may include earlier starts or diversions via Gloucester.  Some services will also start or terminate from Bristol Parkway and replacement road transport will run between Swindon, Bristol Parkway and Newport. 
• Wessex services between Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff Central will be replaced by road transport. Services between Taunton, Weston-super-Mare and Bristol Temple Meads are also subject to alterations.

  Full alternative travel arrangements can be obtained by calling National Rail Enquiries (08457 48 49 50), logging on to www.nationalrail.co.uk or contacting First Great Western (www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk) or  Wessex Trains (www.wessextrains.co.uk).