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Passengers travelling between Cheltenham Spa and Lydney are being urged to check their journeys before travelling this Sunday (9 August) as Network Rail carries out essential track maintenance work to keep the railway running safely and reliably.

Direct trains are running again between Bristol Parkway and Swindon this morning after Network Rail completed a four-week programme of work to improve the railway for passengers and freight users. 

• Okehampton Interchange station opens ahead of passenger services starting on Saturday 1 August
• New fully accessible station offers new rail, bus, cycling and park-and-ride connections for west Devon
• Improved connectivity expected to support economic growth across the region

Network Rail has confirmed today that Botley Road in Oxford will reopen to traffic on Sunday 20 September.

Rail passengers are being advised to plan ahead as Network Rail will be completing vital maintenance work on the railway in the Bristol area from Sunday 16 to Thursday 27 August.

• Work has started to restore passenger rail services between Portishead and Bristol for the first time in 60 years by reinstating the Portishead line and building two brand-new stations  

• Backed by £63million of Government investment, the Portishead line will reconnect more than 50,000 people to the railway, reduce congestion and provide faster journeys to Bristol Temple Meads, taking around 25 minutes. 

Network Rail has confirmed today that Botley Road in Oxford will remain closed beyond the end of August.

A new wider walkway has opened between Frideswide Square and Botley Road in Oxford this afternoon.