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Over 40 tonnes of soot has been removed from the Severn Tunnel – an important milestone in the preparatory work ahead of a six week project to upgrade the railway running through the 130-year-old tunnel this autumn.

• Network Rail staff visit local schools to educate young people on the dangers associated with the railways

• Network Rail is upgrading the lines to support the new electric trains which will be used on the Elizabeth Line and the trains on the Great Western route.

• The new Electric Over Head Line system which carries 25,000 volts will be turned on in 2017 across the Thames Valley.

Residents in Truro, Cornwall, will soon benefit from an upgrade to the Saveock bridge as Network Rail prepares to carry out extensive improvement work that will ensure the future of this vital route for motorists into and out of the city centre.

Fans of the famous Flying Scotsman are being urged to keep off the tracks and enjoy a safe day out when the recently renovated locomotive tours return to Wales next week.

South Gloucestershire residents are invited to an event to find out more about work that will soon be taking place to prepare the 130-year-old Severn and Patchway tunnels for the arrival of a new fleet of longer, faster, quieter and greener electric trains.

Fans of the famous Flying Scotsman are being urged to keep off the tracks and enjoy a safe day out when the recently renovated locomotive tours visit Wales next week.

Network Rail has announced the appointment of Andy Thomas as route managing director for Wales route.

Passengers are being urged to check before they travel between Newport and Shrewsbury as Network Rail embarks on upgrade works over six consecutive weekends beginning on 11 June.