REFIT FOR BRUNEL’S HISTORIC TUNNEL

Tuesday 24 Jun 2003

REFIT FOR BRUNEL’S HISTORIC TUNNEL

Region & Route:: | Wales & Western: Wales & Borders; | Wales & Western: Western; | Wales & Western

Network Rail is spending half-a-million pounds on essential renovation work to Brunel’s historic Box Tunnel. The two-mile structure, on the line between Chippenham and Bath, was built between1836 and 1841 and its portico is listed. “The Box Tunnel as well as being intrinsic to the railway network in the Great Western region is of historic significance and therefore it is important that we maintain it,” said Anna Cornish, Network Rail Great Western’s scheme project manager. Work now being undertaken involves refurbishment of the brickwork and improving drainage. To allow the work to be carried out the line has been closed from late Saturday night until early Monday morning during weekends and affected trains are being diverted via alternative routes. The last weekend that work will take place will be July 12 and 13.

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