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As a result of coordinated industrial action starting this Saturday (1 October), Network Rail is warning passengers on its Western route – which covers the railway and towns and communities between Penzance and London Paddington – to expect extremely limited train services, only travel by train if absolutely necessary and plan ahead and check when their last train will depart.

Network Rail has completed essential safety improvement work to the iconic low balustrade wall at Sydney Gardens in Bath, including the installation of railings to prevent trespassers from being able to gain access to the track.

For one week this September, Network Rail signaller Wayne Dixon, based in Exeter, will be swapping trains for two wheels as he takes up the challenge of a 359-mile sponsored cycle ride, raising money for Rowcroft Hospice in Torquay.

Volunteers from Network Rail teamed up with the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership and Knorr-Bremse, a leading manufacturer of rail safety systems, to improve the environment around Melksham station in Wiltshire, including the area outside the popular Melksham Hub Café.

Buses replace trains for five weeks from Monday 12 September, between Machynlleth and Pwllheli, while essential upgrades are safely carried out on the iconic northwest Wales railway bridge.

Network Rail is urging passengers to check before travelling and to plan ahead, with four consecutive weekends of disruption to train services due to start this weekend.

High above the tracks between Lydney and Gloucester, a multi-million-pound project is underway to protect the future of the railway and make passengers’ journeys more reliable. 

The railway through Dawlish is now better protected as construction of the new, bigger sea wall has reached another major milestone.