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Thursday 4 Jun 2026

Public invited to find out more about major work around Chipping Sodbury tunnel

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Network Rail begins significant work to upgrade the railway in and around Chipping Sodbury tunnel next month – and local residents are invited to find out more.

Work takes place around the clock from Monday 6 July to Sunday 2 August and on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August to replace track, improve drainage, strengthen the cuttings alongside the railway and to repair the lining of the tunnel.

A community drop-in session is taking place on Wednesday 10 June from 4.30-6.30pm at Trinity School, Acton Turville. Everyone is welcome to come and learn more and ask any questions.

To allow the work to take place, no trains will travel directly between Swindon and Bristol Parkway. Trains will be diverted via Chippenham, adding 25 minutes to the journey. Only one train per hour will operate between London Paddington and South Wales but more trains will operate between London Paddington and Swindon.

The stretch of railway is a key section of the Great Western mainline, carrying trains at 125mph. East of Chipping Sodbury tunnel, more than 3,000 yards of new rail, sleepers and ballast (track stone) will be laid and drainage channels will be cleared. Soil nails and netting will be installed on the cuttings to help prevent landslips onto the railway. The lining of the tunnel will also be repaired.

The work follows last year’s project to raise 200m of track by up to 20cm at the western end of the tunnel. Two of the four pumps near the tunnel were also replaced.

Michael Pinkerton, Network Rail portfolio manager, said: “Our work will help keep trains running smoothly and safely and benefit passengers long into the future.

“We’ll be working day and night to complete the work, which will also help improve the railway’s resilience to extreme weather.”

Marcus Deegan, GWR’s station manager for Swindon and Bristol Parkway, said: “The work planned will help maintain train services between London and South Wales using the Chipping Sodbury tunnel for years to come.

“Rail replacement transport is not planned as trains will still operate between Swindon and Bristol Parkway, however these will be reduced.

“It’s important customers are aware and plan ahead as these alternative travel arrangements will make their usual journey times longer.”