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Monday 8 Sep 2025

Passengers urged to plan ahead as Network Rail upgrades signal box in Gloucester to boost reliability

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

Passengers are being advised to check before travelling later this month as more than 10,000 wires will be replaced in Gloucester signal box to provide better, more reliable services for rail passengers. 

Network Rail will complete an essential upgrade of the signal box from Saturday 27 September to Sunday 5 October, replacing 12 miles worth of wiring.

The signalling system at Gloucester controls trains travelling from Bristol, Worcester, Swindon and south Wales, and was installed in the late 1960s. Some components require modernisation and upgrading to ensure rail services can continue to run reliably through the area. 

While the upgrade takes place, no trains can stop at or travel through Gloucester station and buses will replace trains at several stations in the region.

Saturday 27 September, Sunday 28 September, Saturday 4 October and Sunday 5 October

Impacted routes:

• Cheltenham Spa to Gloucester and Lydney
• Worcester Foregate Street to Gloucester
• Cheltenham Spa and Gloucester to Bristol Parkway
• Cheltenham Spa and Gloucester to Kemble (Saturdays) and Swindon (Sundays)

Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October

Impacted routes:

• Cheltenham Spa to Gloucester and Lydney
• Gloucester to Cam and Dursley
• Worcestershire Parkway to Ashchurch for Tewkesbury
• Trains will still run between Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Parkway and Swindon but can’t stop at Gloucester.

Network Rail lead portfolio manager Ben Perkins said:

“I'd like to thank passengers in advance for their patience as we complete this vital work to modernise and upgrade Gloucester signal box; a key control centre to guide trains through a very busy area. 

"Please make sure to check your journey before travelling as we carry out this work, with your train operator or via National Rail Enquiries." 

GWR station manager for the South Cotswolds Chloe Coglan said:

“This signalling work is important because these signals control all train movements in and out of Gloucester station as well as the wider area.

“On weekdays, trains can still operate between Cheltenham Spa and Bristol Parkway or Swindon by avoiding Gloucester, but not on weekends.

“During this period, train operators including GWR, CrossCountry and Transport for Wales will provide rail replacement services for stations affected.

“As an alternative, valid rail tickets can also be used to travel on local bus services running in the area instead. Check our website for the details.

"It’s important though that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead."

Transport for Wales planning and performance director Colin Lea said:

"The nine-day blockade is an important upgrade to the Gloucester signal box, ensuring trains can continue to run safely and reliably for decades to come.

"We know this work will cause some disruption and we ask our customers to check their journey in advance before travelling. Buses will be replacing trains between Lydney and Gloucester or Cheltenham Spa."

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